Kevin Kayda

Ordained: 2013
Diocese: Diocese of Harrisburg

From Report I of the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

In September of 2013, the Diocese of Harrisburg received a complaint from a concerned parent.   The parent reported that Father Kevin Kayda was having inappropriate online communications with their minor daughter on Facebook.  The Diocese confronted Kayda and requested permission to forensically examine his computer.  Kayda consented to the forensic examination.   On October 1, 2013, Kayda’s electronic items were turned over to a forensic company.  The Diocese also prepared to send Kayda to St. John Vianney Center for treatment. The forensic examination revealed pornographic material that included “adolescents.”  On October 3, 2013, Kayda committed suicide. Kayda wrote multiple suicide notes; Kayda alluded to being an abuse victim, but he did not disclose the name of his alleged abuser.

Additional information regarding the widespread sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Dioceses of Pennsylvania and the systemic cover up by senior church officials is compiled in the Pennsylvania Diocese Victim’s Report published by the Pennsylvania Attorney General following a two-year grand jury investigation.  A complete copy of the Report is available on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website.