Church director accused of raping minor over years is arrested during Mass, Ohio cops say
.jpg "A Catholic church director in Ohio is on unpaid leave. He has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor over five years.")
A director of worship who worked at two Ohio Catholic churches was arrested during Mass and charged with sexually abusing a minor, according to officials.
Andres Andino, 59, had outstanding warrants when his license plate showed up on Avon Lake Police’s camera system March 16, the Chronicle Telegram reported. Police arrested him outside one of the churches that employed him in Avon Lake, about a 25-mile drive west of Cleveland along the Lake Erie coastline, according to the paper.
Bodycam footage obtained by WJW and other outlets showed the arrest.
“Put your hands together like you’re praying,” an officer told Andino as they handcuffed him.
“Somebody’s going to have to tell them,” Andino said, nodding his head toward the building. “I’m in the middle of Mass.”
A grand jury indicted Andino March 21, charging him formally with rape, sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, according to court documents cited by WOIO. Court documents state the incidents occurred between 2013 and 2018, and the victim was born in 1998.
Andino pleaded not guilty during an arraignment held March 19, according to WKYC.
WJW reported Andino has held various positions in multiple churches over the years. Any potential victims are encouraged to reach out to the Cleveland Police Sex Crimes Unit at 216-623-5630.
A Diocese of Cleveland spokesperson told WKYC Andino worked with a school choir and volunteered with a fine arts program.
“The parishes at which he was employed have placed him on unpaid leave while this matter is further investigated,” a Diocese statement to WKYC read. “In addition, we have taken steps to ensure that any parish or school at which he was volunteering within the Diocese has suspended his volunteer activity.”
This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 12:16 PM with the headline "Church director accused of raping minor over years is arrested during Mass, Ohio cops say."
