(NY)
ChurchLeaders [Colorado Springs CO]
October 20, 2026
By Dale Chamberlain
A former New York pastor has been sentenced to eight years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for child sex crimes involving two victims. John Camardo III had been an executive at The Chapel, a multisite megachurch in Western New York.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of sex abuse that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
In July, Camardo pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.
In addition to being a pastor, Camardo had also been a coach for girls travel soccer. Camardo was promptly removed from his positions as pastor and coach following his arrest.
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In a statement following Camardo’s arrest, The Chapel said that the victims were not connected to the church.
“We are just so sorry for how the sinful actions of someone who represented our church impacts all of you. And we are devastated alongside you,” The Chapel said.
Both victims knew Camardo personally. Camardo was accused of abusing one victim under the age of 15 between April 2024 and May 2024 and another victim under the age of 13 between April 2025 and June of this year.
The victims have been granted protective orders that are in effect until July 2054.
In a statement following Camardo’s sentencing, Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said, “I commend these two brave victims as their disclosures were essential to hold this defendant accountable for his crimes.”
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“I understand that it is incredibly difficult for crime victims, particularly survivors of sexual abuse, to come forward, but their cooperation is critical to uncover the truth and achieve justice,” said Keane. “I encourage anyone who may have been victimized by this defendant, or anyone who has been the victim of a crime, to contact law enforcement.”
“We have a team of specially-trained prosecutors and victim advocates who can provide support, protection and resources throughout the judicial process,” Keane added.
In a statement at his sentencing, Camardo said, “I’m deeply sorry for my inexcusable behavior that brought us here today. I take responsibility for what I’ve done, full responsibility, including the immeasurable hurt and damage that they suffer as a result.”
State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Haendiges told the former pastor, “You were supposed to be representing what’s good: kindness, empathy, support, protection for your family, for your community. You were in a leadership role.”
“That was all a lie,” Haendiges said.
Haendiges questioned whether Camardo had taken responsibility for his actions, saying, “Demons didn’t cause this. He made evil choices.”
Both victims spoke in court. One victim said of Camardo that the pastor “who opened his home to foster children is a child rapist and a pedophile.”
“He sits here today and pretends to feel shame for what he’s done,” she said. “I can assure you he does not.”
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The victim said that Camardo began sexually assaulting her when she was just 8 years old and that he bought her a promise ring when she was 13.
The other victim said that Camardo sexually abused her “for a long time.”
“I am only 11. I’m still a child,” she said. “You were a pastor that people thought was an amazing person, and now we’ve seen you in the light and who you really are. You’re just like the backstabber who crucified Jesus. You are not a wise man.”
“You’re a disgusting person, and you knew what you were doing,” she said.
Camardo will be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.
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ChurchLeaders has reached out to The Chapel for comment and will update this article in the event of a response.