Youngstown pastor accused of sexual imposition

BOARDMAN

The pastor of a Youngstown church is accused of sexual imposition after an incident that allegedly took place in a restaurant restroom.

James Callozzo, 73, appeared in Mahoning County Area Court here Tuesday for arraignment on the misdemeanor charge. He entered a plea of not guilty.

An 18-year-old reported that on May 15 Callozzo approached him in the restroom at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 804 Boardman-Poland Road, asked him questions about his genitals and then forcefully touched his genitals, according to a report filed May 30 with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office.

The teen reported that after following him into the restroom, Callozzo repeatedly asked to see “down there.” He said Callozzo then grabbed his genital area and didn’t let go until the alleged victim forced Callozzo off of him.

In the report, Callozzo’s employer is listed as Nativity of Christ Orthodox Church, located on Miller Road in Youngstown. Callozzo is pastor of the church, according to the church’s website. There, he is known as the Right Rev. Archim Andoni.

A church representative contacted by phone Tuesday refused to answer questions.