ALABAMA
Fox 10
Chasity Byrd
Letisha Bush
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – FOX10 News sat down with Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi Tuesday, May 14—just one day after the Archdiocese of Mobile confirmed Father James Havens was put on administrative leave after accusations of sexual abuse.
A Twitter message posted last night by Archbishop Thomas Rodi read, “”About to begin a parish meeting dealing with a painful matter. Please say a prayer for all concerned”.
“She made the accusation that Father Havens had sexually abused her in 1989, 24 years ago when this action allegedly took place,” said Archbishop Rodi.
Archbishop Rodi said Father James Havens is now on leave and cannot exercise priestly ministry or live on parish property. The archbishop would not say where Father Havens is living now, but did disclose the district attorney’s office knows where he is. The woman, who is now 34, said the incident happened at her family’s home.
“The accusation of sexual abuse, this is a one-time event, but more than that I really don’t want to say more of what the woman shared. I think that would be inappropriate,” Archbishop Rodi said.
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