Florida Catholic priest accused of child sex abuse cleared of allegations

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida priest accused of child sexual abuse will not be charged and had his “good name restored” after the alleged victim withdrew their claims, according to a statement.

According to NBC affiliate WBBH, Reverend Jerome Kaywell at Sacred Heart Punta Gorda was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor during the winter of 2013-14.

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Throughout the investigation, the Diocese of Venice said Father Kaywell “maintained his innocence, stating that the allegation could not have happened.”

A new statement from the Diocese claims that the allegations were “taken seriously” and acted upon in accord with the Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

Since the alleged victim was a minor, the State’s Attorney’s Office was also notified.

On Feb. 13, the law firm representing the alleged victim informed the Diocese that he was withdrawing his allegation, and wrote an apology letter “declaring it was a false memory.”

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“The said letter informed that the alleged victim withdrew his allegation, and an apology was written by the accuser declaring it was a false memory,” the statement read.

A review board met in March and determined that there was no evidence to support the allegation. The board recommended that Father Kaywell return to ministry as a result.

“I consider the matter closed and the good name of Father Jerome Kaywell restored,” Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, wrote. “Thank you for your prayers and understanding. The Diocese of Venice and its entities take very seriously the safety of all young people and work to prevent any instances of abuse.”

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