VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Navy man who recently died by suicide is being accused of sexually abusing a young girl who was friends with his child. The family of the alleged victim is now coming forward to tell their story.
Tim and Meredith Hatchell say their daughter recently told them she was sexually abused by the father of one of her friends — a man named Vincent Jakawich.
"It was incredibly difficult for my wife and our daughter and my sons who had to learn about this altogether," Tim Hatchell told News 3 on Monday.
They then contacted Virginia Beach Police.
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"The police came into our house," he said. "They gave us all the information. They took the case down."
But this isn't the first time Jakawich has been accused.
In a separate case dating back to 2020, Jakawich was indicted on a felony charge of aggravated sexual battery involving a child under 13.
In 2022, the felony was downgraded to a misdemeanor assault and battery charge, which he pleaded guilty to.
Jakawich, who was in the U.S. Navy, was not sentenced to active jail time.
The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office said the reason for the downgraded charge was "evidence in this case that contradicted the victim's version of events."
Watch previous coverage: Allegations of sexual abuse of St. John the Apostle School students investigated
The Hatchells are perplexed he was still around the school after the 2022 plea.
"It was shocking," said Tim Hatchell.
The Diocese of Richmond has now notified parents of St. John the Apostle School about the recent allegations.
In a letter, the school's principal said there was no evidence the alleged abuse happened on school grounds.
Jakawich died by suicide in Currituck County after the accusations came out.
News 3 does not normally name the victims of abuse, but the Hatchells say they wanted to go public in case there are additional victims.
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"[My daughter is] not doing well, however, I believe that the fact she's now told all of us is helping her," said Hatchell.
The Hatchells have been very vocal about what they say happened to their daughter, including confronting Jakawich's wife.
His wife then took out three charges on Meredith Hatchell, including disorderly conduct.
"We have attorneys for all of this," said Tim Hatchell. "We're just confused. We can't even believe any of this is happening."
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The Diocese of Richmond did not respond to additional questions on Monday.
Their statement says the pastor of the church is on temporary leave.
Parents said they were notified the principal is retiring.
"We just want everyone to be aware and speak to their children," said Hatchell. "Our daughter has been suffering for almost four years. We did not understand it as parents and now we understand how to help her."
Brianna Lanham contributed to this story.
