On May 8, 2025, a parish priest in Grodzisk Mazowiecki was found guilty of mephedrone possession and transfer, fined, and will be suspended pending further investigation.
Charges Against the Priest
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Grodzisk Mazowiecki oversaw the investigation into Jarosław N., a priest, for possession of mephedrone and for transferring the drug to another person. The incident took place on May 8, 2025. Jarosław confessed to the crime and applied for a sentence without a hearing.
The prosecutor clarified that Jarosław N. is indeed a priest.
Court Ruling
Gazeta.pl reported that in late June the prosecution filed the indictment with the court. In early September the District Court in Grodzisk Mazowiecki issued an order: Jarosław was fined 150 daily rates of 20 PLN. The priest was also required to transfer money to the Victim Assistance Fund and the Post‑Penitential Assistance Fund, and to cover the costs of proceedings.
Appeal by Prosecutor
Prosecutor Piotr A. Skiba of the Warsaw Regional Prosecutor’s Office stated that the prosecutor had challenged the verdict. The issue was the transfer of money to the Victim Assistance Fund. Prosecutors noted that Jarosław was ordered to pay for only one offence, though he was convicted of two (possession and transfer). The case will restart from the beginning.
Priest Sent to Isolated Residence
In May, the press secretary of the Warsaw Archdiocese, Przemysław Śliwiński, announced that the archdiocese had suspended Jarosław from all pastoral duties, including public sacramental ministry, pending full clarification. The priest was also subject to a criminal order and sent to an isolated place until civil and canonical proceedings conclude. He is required to undergo therapy regardless of the outcomes of the legal and ecclesiastical processes.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, you can reach out to the following helplines: National Addiction Helpline 800 199 990 (daily 16‑21), Behavioral Addiction Helpline 801 889 880 (daily 17‑22), Orange Line for parents of children who drink 801 140 068 (Mon‑Sat 14‑20), Blue Line for domestic violence 800 120 00 (24/7). More information is available on the National Center for Addiction Prevention’s website.
