Metairie Deacon V.m. Wheeler Removed from Ministry after Abuse Allegations

By Matt Sledge
Times-Picayune and New Orleans Advocate
August 3, 2020

https://www.nola.com/news/article_d1a4806c-d5c1-11ea-8237-7f240910bf5c.html

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has removed a recently ordained deacon from ministry at a Metairie church after receiving an allegation that he abused a child 20 years ago, church officials announced Monday.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond removed Deacon V.M. Wheeler from his post at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Old Metairie.

In addition to serving as a deacon since his 2018 ordination, Wheeler, 63, is a partner at the well-known Chaffe McCall law firm. Archdiocese officials said they didn't receive a "formal" report of abuse until last week.

Wheeler was listed as one of the parish's three deacons as recently as Sunday's parish bulletin.