CLEVELAND (OH)
The Legal Herald [Orlando, FL]
February 16, 2026
By Darla Medina
Woman Accuses Former Church Worship Director of Repeated Sexual Abuse
A 27-year-old woman spent hours on the witness stand Tuesday describing a relationship she says began as music lessons and turned into sexual abuse by a former Cleveland-area church worship director, according to WKYC.
The woman stated she met Andres Andino when she was in sixth grade, when he worked as the school choir director at St. Anthony of Padua, located at 1305 E Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052.
Defendant Indicted on Multiple Counts
Andres Andino, 60, was indicted in March 2025 on two counts of sexual battery, two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and one count of rape. At the time of his arrest he was director of worship at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Parma Heights and worked part-time at St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake, while also holding volunteer roles across the Diocese of Cleveland. Andino has pleaded not guilty and says he always treated the woman like a daughter and never touched her inappropriately.
Victim Details Years-Long Relationship
She said their bond deepened after she began taking private piano lessons from him. Those lessons, she testified, included inappropriate touching — patting on the back and allowing her to hold his hand — that later escalated.
She testified that by high school, Andino began touching her sexually at a Cleveland music studio he owned, and that they had sex in 2013 when she was 15. She told jurors Andino once said, “I can’t take advantage of you. You’re 15 years old,” before the encounter. The woman said the sexual encounters continued multiple times a week until she left for college, that Andino told her he loved her, and that his attention made her feel special and afraid to report him for fear he would stop liking her.
Turning Point and Decision to Report
The witness described how, over time and after confiding in college friends, she reevaluated the relationship. She said she came forward to police in 2024 after receiving a Google meeting invite from Andino.
Prosecution, Defense Scrutinize Messages
Both sides questioned her about nearly 5,500 messages exchanged between her and Andino from 2016 to 2018. Testimony described frequent pickups by Andino for lessons and church events, with many texts documenting those interactions. Prosecutors highlighted the final texts Andino sent on Sept. 25, 2018 — praising a recital video and saying he missed her and thought of her constantly — and follow-up messages two days later expressing unchanged feelings and offering support. By then an adult, the woman did not respond.
Courtroom Reaction and Next Steps
During the woman’s testimony, Andino appeared visibly shaken, at times shaking his head and whispering with his defense attorney. His lawyer told 3News that Andino will take the stand in his defense and that the jury will also hear from his wife and several character witnesses as the trial continues.
Legal Paths for Families After Alleged Abuse by a Worship Director
Ohio sexual abuse attorney John Bey outlines the legal avenues available to families when a worship director sexually abuses a minor. Bey explains how criminal charges, civil claims for damages, and actions against institutions can proceed, what role digital communications and witness testimony play, and what families should consider about deadlines, evidence preservation, and the emotional and procedural realities of litigation.
Editor Darla Medina: What legal options do families have when a worship director is accused of sexually abusing a minor?
Attorney John Bey: Families can pursue criminal charges through the state, which is what’s happening in this case. Separately, they may file civil lawsuits against the accused for damages — claims can include sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence, especially if the church or diocese is alleged to have ignored warning signs or failed to supervise.
Medina: How does evidence like thousands of messages and testimony about a timeline affect those options?
Bey: Texts and messages help establish a pattern of contact and the nature of the relationship over time; they can be powerful in both criminal and civil proceedings. Testimony that details when abuse began and how it continued can support claims of ongoing misconduct and negligence.
Medina: Are there special considerations for victims who were minors when abuse began?
Bey: Yes. Statutes of limitations can be complicated in these cases, but many jurisdictions allow tolling or have specific windows for child sexual abuse claims. Victims and families should consult an attorney quickly to preserve evidence and understand filing deadlines.
Medina: What should families expect if they pursue a civil case against a church or individual?
Bey: Civil cases often involve discovery that can uncover internal records, personnel files, and communications within the church. Settlements are common, but trials can proceed if parties don’t agree. Emotional toll and public attention are likely, so families should prepare for lengthy legal processes and seek supportive resources.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by a worship leader or church staff member, our newsroom can connect you with experienced Ohio attorneys who offer a free consultation to discuss criminal reporting, civil claims, and steps to protect evidence and your rights. Reach out to our editorial team for referrals and resources to help you navigate legal options and support services.