The diocese continued to investigate the matter in accordance with diocesan policy, the bishop said. The diocesan review board subsequently met in March, “examined the investigatory report and all aspects of the matter,” and “unanimously” concluded “that there was no evidence to support the allegation.”
“The Diocesan Review Board recommended that Father Kaywell be returned to ministry,” Dewane wrote. “I have accepted their recommendation and inform you that Father Kaywell has been returned to ministry, effective immediately.”
“Therefore, I consider the matter closed and the good name of Father Jerome Kaywell restored,” the bishop said.
Throughout the investigation, the bishop noted, Kaywell “maintained his innocence, stating that the allegation could not have happened.”
As of Tuesday, the priest was once again listed on Sacred Heart’s website as its pastor after having been removed during the investigation.
Kaywell has been pastor of the Punta Gorda church since 2004. He attended both St. Francis University and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary.