VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A pastor with St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Virginia Beach is on temporary leave amid allegations involving a parent at the school, who is now deceased.
The case involves allegations of sexual abuse involving local Catholic school students.
WAVY News 10 has learned that although the case dates back four years, it came to light this past week after a second alleged victim of the same parent emerged.
According to a May 10 letter from Miriam Cotton, the principal of the school at the time, the accusations made against the adult were not made on school grounds, and the information was reported to Child Protective Services.
The statement, in part, reads:
As your principal, I feel this is a suitable moment to remind our parents of the importance in speaking with your children about appropriate touch, what are safe boundaries, and talking to your child about the importance of communicating with you any concerns they may have about inappropriate touch. I understand these conversations are never easy. But, they are necessary. Each one of us play an important role within our community to safeguard the youngest and vulnerable among us.
Miriam Cotton, Principal
A separate statement from the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Riley, released on May 17, states the appropriate civil authorities and law enforcement agencies are involved regarding the sexual abuse allegations.
While the Diocese investigates whether the Diocese’s Safe Environment Regulations were properly followed, Fr. Rob Cole, Pastor of St. John the Apostle parish, has been placed on temporary leave, according to the statement.
The Diocesan document addresses claims of sexual abuse. In an introduction on the subject, it states, “Sexual abuse is among the worst of human corruptions. It rapes the human spirit of its God-given dignity, defiles what God cherishes and violates what God’s own love protects. Sexual abuse ravages all who are entangled in its damaging consequences, which can affect abusers, the abused and their families for a lifetime. Sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults is a horror which today infects every quarter of our society. When minors and vulnerable adults are the victims, the effects of sexual abuse take on even more evil and horrendous proportions. Those horrors multiply and expand when a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Church inflicts the wounds of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.”
While the investigation is ongoing, Bishop Barry Knestout appointed Reverend Esteban De Leon, pastor of Star of the Sea Catholic Church, as the temporary administrator of the parish.
The statement also reveals Cotton retired as principal of St. John the Apostle Catholic School, although as of May 20 she is still listed as principal on the school’s website. The letter states that Assistant Principal Jennifer Davey will serve as interim principal in the meantime.
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond released the following statement regarding sexual abuse allegations involving St. John the Apostle School in Virginia Beach. The statement, in full, can be found below:
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond recently learned of allegations of sexual abuse committed against students of St. John the Apostle School by an adult (now deceased). The appropriate civil authorities and law enforcement agencies are involved. The Diocese is also investigating to confirm whether the Diocese’s Safe Environment regulations or other policies were properly followed.
The protection of our children is of the upmost importance to the Diocese.
Fr. Rob Cole, Pastor of St. John the Apostle parish, is on temporary leave from the parish while this matter is investigated. The Diocese will not reach any conclusions until the investigation is completed. Know, however, that the Diocese is committed to ensuring that our institutions provide an environment where our children are safe and thrive.
During this time, Bishop Barry Knestout has appointed the Very Reverend Esteban De Leon, VF, pastor of Star of the Sea Catholic Church, as temporary administrator of the parish. Similarly, the Office of Catholic Schools will provide additional support to the school administration.
Please keep all involved in your prayers.
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
10 On Your Side is working to gather more information about this incident.
