Priest in Gonzales Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Diocese Says

WWLTV
December 16, 2017

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/priest-in-gonzales-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-diocese-says/499959606

An investigation is underway after a priest in Gonzales has been accused of sexual misconduct, according to the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

According to the diocese, an allegation of sexual misconduct was received on November 8 from a woman in her thirties against Fr. Eric Gyan, currently a pastor of St. Theresa of Avila Parish in Gonzales. The misconduct was alleged to have occurred in 1996 when the woman was a minor and Fr. Gyan was a pastor of St. John the Baptist in Brusly.

The diocese says it has notified civil officials of the allegations and, as required by canon law, “trained professional lay persons were appointed by the diocese to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter.”

Additionally, the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator has spoken to the woman who has made the allegation and has offered assistance on behalf of the diocese.

The investigation is ongoing, however the diocese says the investigation has not led to “any cause to remove Fr. Gyan from his current pastoral service.” The diocese says Fr. Gyan has denied the allegation and the this is the only complaint the diocese has received about him.

Anyone with information that can assist the diocese concerning this matter can contact Mrs. Amy Cordon in the diocesan Victim Assistance Office at 225-242-0250.