Fr. Jeffrey L. Nowak

Ordained: 2012
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians in Cheektowaga when suspended from ministry in 8/2019 after allegations of inappropriate contact with children and harassment of a seminarian. Was reportedly to be sent to a treatment center for assessment. He denied the allegations. In 12/2019 an email address linked to Nowak was found to be connected to a website containing child abuse material. The FBI investigated in 5/2021, found nothing incriminating, and closed the case in 7/2023. The Diocese’s list of accused in 9/2025 showed Nowak to be on administrative leave as the investigation continued. In late 2025 law enforcement in Scotland informed the FBI that a user name of a participant in a group viewing and sharing child pornography via Zoom calls belonged to Nowak. The case was reopened in 3/2026. In 7/2026 Nowak was criminally charged with the receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. A judge ruled that Nowak was to be kept in jail due to strong evidence against him and allegations that he threatened to offer up family members to other pedophiles.

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