Father Michael Lewandowski
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: 1975
Removed: 2014
Assigned as follows:
- 1975-1982 St. Francis High School (Athol Springs, NY)
- 1982-1989 Cardinal O’Hara High School (Tonawanda, NY)
- 1989-1991 St. Francis High School (Athol Springs)
- 1991-1992 Unknown
- 1992-1994 St. Stanislaus Basilica (Chicopee, MA)
- 1994-1997 St. Anthony’s (Chicopee, MA)
- 1997-2014 St. Anne’s (Davidsville, PA)
Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Michael Lewandowski:
Father Michael Lewandowski was ordained in 1975 for the Conventual Franciscan order in Ellicott City, Maryland. He worked as a teacher and athletics coach at two high schools in the Diocese of Buffalo until 1991. He moved to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown in 1997, where he served as pastor at St. Anne’s in Davidsville for 17 years.
According to media reports, in May 2014, an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor in the 1980s was reported to Father Lewandowski’s Order. It told the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, and he was removed from public ministry at St. Anne’s in Davidsville, pending an investigation. Civil authorities and parishioners were notified.
In 2019, Father Lewandowski was named in a lawsuit accusing him of repeatedly sexually abusing a St. Francis High student starting in 1971. The plaintiff said he would fondle him when they wrestled, (Father Lewandowski was his wrestling coach) and give him wine to drink. The man said he told the school’s principal at the time, but no action was taken and the abuse continued.
In 2020, Fr. Lewandowski was named in another lawsuit against the Diocese of Buffalo. He was accused of sexually abusing a minor. The details of the sexual abuse allegations, including when and where the alleged abuse occurred, or the victim’s age/gender, are unknown.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.