SALT LAKE CITY -- A Catholic priest has been charged with patronizing a prostitute.
Father Andrezej Pawlel Skrzypiec was arrested Aug. 24 near 200 North 900 West in Salt Lake City during an undercover prostitution sting where police were targeting "johns," according to a probable cause affidavit filed in 3rd District Court.
Fr. Skrzypiec initially accused the undercover officer as being a "cop," but eventually agreed to pay $30 for a sex act, the affidavit claimed. After making the agreement, Skrzypiec was arrested and charged with one count of patronizing a prostitute, a class-A misdemeanor.
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City told FOX 13 that Fr. Skrzypiec is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the charges. Over the weekend, a statement was read from the pulpit at Saint Ambrose Church in Salt Lake City and at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School, where Skrzypiec worked.
Read the full statement here:
"Regarding Father Andrzej Skrzypiec:
On Tuesday of this past week, September 24, 2018, the District Attorney's office for Salt Lake County filed a single charge of solicitation of an adult female against Fr. Andrew. This charge is a class A misdemeanor. Fr. Andrew from the beginning has denied the allegations.
Fr. Andrew was placed on leave from his ministerial duties when this incident was reported to the Diocese. Now that charges have been formally filed, Bishop Oscar A. Solis has put Fr. Andrew under administrative leave for three months until this matter is resolved. We ask that you keep Fr. Andrew in your prayers.
During his absence, Father Joshua Santos has been assigned temporary Administrator of Saint Ambrose Parish and chaplain of J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School."
