WILLIAMSVILLE (NY)
WIVB [Buffalo NY]
July 13, 2026
By Gabriella Baiano
A former pastor and soccer coach pleaded guilty for child sexual abuse, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said on Monday.
John A. Camardo, III, 47 and of Williamsville, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, officials said.
According to authorities, Camardo engaged in sexual conduct with a victim under 15 years old between April and May 2024.
Between April 2025 and June 2026, Camardo engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a second victim who was under age 13. Officials said Camardo was known to the victims, and both crimes took place in Amherst.
Camardo was a former executive pastor of The Chapel, which has locations in Cheektowaga, Getzville, Lockport and Niagara Falls. He also coached girls’ travel soccer for the Amherst Soccer Association as of 2023.
The Chapel said in a letter to parishioners that Camardo’s conduct had no “specific issue related to the ministry venues or campuses of The Chapel.”
“We probably have as many questions as we have answers,” the letter reads. “Honestly, we are personally shocked, saddened, and even angry. In many ways we feel betrayed.”
Camardo faces a determinate sentence of between six and eight years in prison when he is sentenced in September. He was held without bail, and temporary orders of protection have been issued for the victims.
In a statement issued to WIVB News 4, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said they are “not aware of any complaints involving other potential victims.”
Their statement continued to read, “Anyone who may have information relevant to this investigation or may have been the victim of a similar offense is encouraged to contact our office or the Amherst Police Department.”