News

October 19, 2009

Father Timchak charged with possession of child pornography

Mark Guydish

The Rev. Robert Timchak, popularly known as "Father Bob," turned himself in to authorities in Pike County on 16 counts of child sexual abuse stemming from allegations of possession of child pornography.

Timchak was the popular pastor of Transfiguration Church in West Hazleton for years, and oversaw the closing of the parish school in 2006. He also sparked some controversy in the diocese with comments regarding policies and decisions.

The diocese issued the following press release:

The Diocese is saddened by the situation regarding Father Robert M. Timchak. These charges are distressing and would be very unfortunate if proven true.

On Dec. 9, 2008, the Diocese received information from an anonymous source about possible improper use of a computer by Father Timchak.  Subsequently the Diocese contacted the Pike County district attorney, without any notification or involvement by Father Timchak. The Diocese has been cooperating with the investigation.

All employees of the Diocese, including priests, must obtain criminal background and child abuse history clearances.  Father Timchak received these clearances.  The Diocese had no indication that he had ever engaged in any improper conduct.

In April, Father Timchak was granted a leave of absence from his most recent assignment as assistant pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, Milford, and St. John Neumann, Lord’s Valley to seek medical attention at a facility outside the Diocese.  This was done with the knowledge of law enforcement officials.

The Diocese is completely committed to ensuring that no employee or volunteer is engaging in any improper conduct.

At this difficult time, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Scranton, asks for prayers for Father Timchak, his family and friends. 

Father Timchak was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Scranton on June 27, 1992.  His assignments follow: 

1992-94: Assistant Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Wilkes-Barre.

1994-96: Director of Religious Formation, Seton Catholic High School, Pittston; in residence at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pittston. 

1996-98: Director of Religious Formation, Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes-Barre; and Assistant Pastor, Holy Saviour Parish, Wilkes-Barre. 

1998-2000: Assistant Pastor, Annunciation Parish, Williamsport. 

2000-06: Pastor, Transfiguration Parish, West Hazleton, and SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Hazleton.  Also Chaplain, Bishop Hafey Jr./Sr. High School, Hazleton, 2005-06. 

2006-07: Leave of Absence.  During this period, he worked in the Luzerne County Probation Office. 

2007-April 2009: Assistant Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul, Milford, and St. John Neumann, Lord’s Valley.  Also, he was an occasional substitute teacher in area elementary schools. 

April 2009-present: Leave of Absence.

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