CLEVELAND, OH — A 27-year-old woman spent several hours on the witness stand Tuesday describing what she says were years of sexual abuse by a trusted church mentor who served across multiple parishes in the Cleveland area.
Former Church Leader Faces Multiple Charges
Prosecutors say 60-year-old Andres Andino, a longtime music director in the Diocese of Cleveland, used his role to groom and exploit the girl beginning when she was in middle school. In March 2025, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Andino on two counts of sexual battery, two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and one count of rape.
At the time of his arrest, Andino worked as director of worship at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Parma Heights and part-time at St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake. He also held several volunteer music roles across the region.
Allegations Stem from Relationship Beginning in Choir
The woman told jurors she met Andino in sixth grade while he directed the choir at St. Anthony of Padua in Lorain. She said what began as piano lessons slowly turned personal. According to her testimony, Andino began by patting her on the back and letting her hold his hand during lessons.
By the time she reached high school, she said those interactions became sexual. She testified that Andino initiated intercourse at his Cleveland music studio in 2013, when she was 15. Before it happened, she recalled him saying, “I can’t take advantage of you. You’re 15 years old.”
The woman told the court that sexual encounters continued multiple times a week until she started college. She described feeling emotionally trapped, saying she feared losing Andino’s approval if she reported what was happening.
Victim Says She Came Forward Years Later
After confiding in friends during college, the woman said she began to view the relationship differently. In 2024, she reported Andino to police, prompted by a Google meeting invitation he sent her.
Jurors also heard about nearly 5,500 messages exchanged between the two from 2016 through 2018, many referencing music lessons, church events, and routine conversations. Prosecutors read aloud text messages from September 2018 that Andino sent after she stopped replying. In them, he praised her piano performance, said he missed her, and signed off with affectionate language.
Defendant Denies Wrongdoing
Throughout her testimony, Andino appeared visibly emotional, often shaking his head and whispering to his defense attorney. He insists he never acted inappropriately, describing the woman as “the daughter he never had.”
His lawyer confirmed that Andino will testify and that the jury will also hear from his wife and several character witnesses.
The trial continues this week in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Understanding Legal Options for Families After Church-Related Sexual Abuse
When allegations of sexual abuse involve a trusted church leader, families are often left confused about where to turn and how to protect their loved ones. Ohio sexual abuse lawyer John Bey discusses what legal steps victims and their families can take when facing abuse by a worship director. In this interview, Bey outlines the rights available under Ohio law, how timing can affect a case, and why early action can make a lasting difference for survivors.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: For families learning about allegations like this, what legal paths are available to help victims or ensure accountability within church institutions?
John Bey, Esq.: Ohio law gives survivors several options. They can file criminal complaints with law enforcement, but they may also have civil claims against the individual offender and, in some cases, the organization that allowed the abuse to occur. These cases often involve looking at whether church officials failed to supervise or ignored warning signs.
Banville: What should families do first if they learn their child may have been abused?
Bey: The first step is always ensuring the victim’s safety and emotional support. Then, families should speak with an attorney familiar with sexual abuse cases to understand their rights under state law and possible time limits for filing claims. It’s important that survivors and their families know they are not alone and have legal options.
Stand Up, Speak Out, and Get the Help You Deserve
No one should carry the pain of abuse alone. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a church leader or worship director, our legal team is here to listen and help you take the next step. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and begin the path toward accountability and healing.
