WILLIAMSVILLE (NY)
WGRZ-TV [Buffalo NY]
October 19, 2026
By Kim DeGeorge, Claudine Ewing
John A. Camardo, III, was sentenced in court to eight years in prison and 10 years of post-release supervision.
A former executive pastor at The Chapel and youth soccer coach was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two children in Amherst.
John Camardo III, 47, of Williamsville, was sentenced before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Haendiges to a determinate term of eight years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. He will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
The sentencing came after Camardo pleaded guilty in July 2026 to rape in the second degree and course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree, both Class D violent felonies.
According to prosecutors, Camardo engaged in sexual intercourse with a victim younger than 15 between April and May 2024. He also engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a second victim younger than 13 between April 2025 and June 2026. Camardo knew both victims, and the crimes occurred at a location in the Town of Amherst.
The negotiated plea was reached with the victims’ consent. Orders of protection were issued on their behalf and remain in effect until July 2054.
Victims address the court
Both young victims spoke during Monday’s sentencing, describing the lasting impact of the abuse.
One victim told the court, “I am only 11, I’m still a child.”
She also condemned Camardo’s actions, saying, “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.”
The second victim described years of sexual abuse, telling the court, “He has been raping me since I was 11 years old and has subjected me to sexual violence since I was 8 years old.”
She also told the court that when she was 13, Camardo bought her a promise ring, saying that wearing it meant she belonged to him.
“The wealthy pastor, girl soccer coach, who opened his home to foster children is a child rapist and a pedophile,” the victim said.
Another person familiar with the case also addressed the court, becoming emotional while describing Camardo as “manipulative, controlling, deceived everyone.”
The person told the court, “You stole innocence,” and added, “A sickness is not an excuse.”
Judge explains negotiated plea
During sentencing, Justice Haendiges challenged the defense’s characterization of Camardo’s actions and questioned whether he had fully accepted responsibility.
“Demons didn’t cause this. He made evil choices,” Haendiges said.
The judge acknowledged the difficulty of the legal process for victims and said the negotiated plea had been reached for their benefit.
“If they can live with a negotiated sentence, then I can live with that negotiated sentence,” Haendiges said.
However, she said the sentence did not fully reflect the seriousness of the crimes.
Camardo’s two convictions each carried a maximum sentence of seven years. Under the negotiated plea agreement, the judge imposed consecutive four-year prison terms, totaling eight years, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
Haendiges told Camardo that he had inflicted “irreparable, lifelong harm” on the victims and his family.
She also criticized his position of trust as a pastor and community leader, telling him he had betrayed his community, his responsibilities and his family.
Defense attorney Barry Covert acknowledged the harm caused by his client and said Camardo had accepted responsibility by pleading guilty.
Covert told the court that Camardo intended to pursue treatment and counseling while working to understand his actions and prevent future abuse.
“There is simply no excuse for it,” Covert said, adding that there was no way to measure the harm caused to the victims.
Covert also referenced a history of sexual abuse within Camardo’s family and said his client would need to ensure the cycle was never repeated.
Camardo also addressed the court, apologizing for his actions and the damage caused.
“I’m deeply sorry for my inexcusable behavior that brought us here today,” Camardo said. “I take responsibility for what I’ve done, full responsibility, including the immeasurable hurt and damage that they suffer as a result.”
He also asked for forgiveness from his wife, children, extended family and community, and said he was committed to understanding how the abuse occurred and ensuring it never happened again.
Camardo will be required to register as a sex offender following his release from prison. The court also imposed mandatory fees and ordered him to provide a DNA sample as required by law.
“I commend these two brave victims as their disclosures were essential to hold this defendant accountable for his crimes. 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 Erie County District Attorney Michael 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.”
Camardo was previously listed as Executive Pastor at The Chapel. However, church officials told us in July he no longer works there.