Bishop Andrzej Jeż sentenced for failing to report sexual abuse

The District Court in Tarnow found Bishop Andrzej Jeż guilty of failing to promptly notify law enforcement about the sexual abuse of minors by two priests in his diocese. The court sentenced the Bishop to 2 years of community service, consisting of donating 25% of his salary to the Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę foundation. This verdict is not final.

The case involved priests Stanisław P. and Tomasz K. Prosecutors stated that Bishop Jeż had credible information regarding the sexual abuse of minors under the age of 15 by both men but did not report the matter to state authorities immediately. Investigators noted that conducting internal Church investigations did not exempt the Bishop from the legal obligation to report the crimes to state law enforcement.

Bishop Jeż did not plead guilty. He argued that the diocese needed to verify information and cited legal uncertainties. His defense raised questions regarding jurisdiction for one case involving acts allegedly committed outside of national borders. Regarding the second case, the Bishop stated he did not know for a long time that the victims were under the age of 15.