Former St. Joseph's Priest Accused in Greenwood

By Michael Eads
Independent Mail
March 10, 2013

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2013/mar/10/former-st-josephs-priest-accused-in-greenwood/

CHARLESTON — A former priest at Anderson’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church has been accused of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Father Hayden Vaverek has been placed on administrative leave by the Diocese of Charleston and will be unable to conduct Mass, due to a criminal complaint filed Friday with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office. An unidentified man told police investigators about an incident with a minor that allegedly occurred more than 15 years ago.

“The reported allegation indicates the alleged misconduct occurred while Father Vaverek was pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenwood; however, no parishioners of that parish were involved in the reported allegation,” according to a news release issued Sunday by the diocese.

“In regards to the criminal process, law enforcement authorities will conduct their investigation and we will fully cooperate with them,” said Maria Aselage, director of media relations for diocese.

Contact: michael.eads@independentmail.com