Former Priest Facing Charges of Sexual Misconduct

By Brian King
Gwd Today
March 10, 2013

http://gwdtoday.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=27&ArticleID=24428

A former priest at Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenwood has been placed on administrative leave after allegations of sexual misconduct were made to the Diocese of Charleston.

According to officials with the Diocese of Charleston, Father Hayden Vavarek has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. The alleged misconduct took place at Our Lady of Lourdes about 15 years ago.

Officials with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office say that a criminal investigation has not yet begun, as the victims are located out of state.

Vavarek served at various parishes in the upstate, including Greenville, Anderson and Simpsonville.

Any victims are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.