WILLIAMSVILLE (NY)
WGRZ-TV [Buffalo NY]
July 13, 2026
By Zachary Penque
A Williamsville pastor has pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse, facing up to eight years in prison, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
A pastor from Williamsville has pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, John A. Camardo, III, 47, has been charged with one count of Rape in the 2nd Degree and one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the 2nd Degree.
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane says between April 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024, Camardo engaged in sexual intercourse with a victim under the age of 15.
Keane also said Camardo engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a second victim under the age of 13 between April 1, 2025, and June 20, 2026.
Prosecutors say Camardo knew both victims and that the crimes happened at a location in the Town of Amherst.
Camardo faces a maximum of eight years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, September 10. He was held without bail and temporary orders of protection were issued on behalf of both victims.
Camardo was previously listed as Executive Pastor at The Chapel. However, as of Monday afternoon, his name no longer appeared on the church’s website.
Camardo’s attorney Barry Covert stated, “He has accepted complete responsibility very quickly, and he is incredibly remorseful and he’s dedicated himself to making sure that nothing like this can ever happen again and bringing as much closure as he can to everyone around him.”
2 On Your Side has reached out to The Chapel for a statement. In an email sent to parishioners, The Chapel says that after learning of the allegations, its Board of Overseers and Safety Team placed John Camardo on administrative leave in accordance with the church’s policies.
The Chapel also says Camardo resigned a few days later and that they proactively contacted the Amherst Police Department to cooperate with their investigation.
2 On Your Side did reach out to Amherst Police to confirm that information. A spokesperson with the police department tells us he’s not aware of any such conversation between the department and the chapel’s leadership team.
The Amherst Soccer Association, which Camardo was involved with having served as a coach and a referee, released the following statement on the situation:
Amherst Soccer Association (ASA) is able to confirm that Mr. Camardo has had a role as Coach and Referee with the organization and was shocked to learn today of the allegations against him and his conviction. Amherst Soccer had no involvement in the investigation that led to his conviction or knowledge of the situation facing Mr. Camardo until reading about it in the media today. Upon learning about his conviction today, Amherst Soccer acted swiftly to ensure Mr. Camardo was removed from any interaction with our soccer activities. Our hearts hurt for the victims, and we are pleased that law enforcement and the judicial system is holding him accountable for his actions. The association is consulting with governing league leadership to ensure all appropriate steps are taken. Ensuring the safety of all within our soccer community is our top priority, and we hold adults in our organization to the highest standards of conduct. Because this is an active legal matter, Amherst Soccer will not speculate on facts beyond what has been publicly reported, and will cooperate with the authorities as necessary.