LOUISIANA
The Town Talk

A 48-year-old priest with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria was found dead Friday in a room at a local hotel, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

Police identified the man as Jamie Medina-Cruz. He was found in the Value Place Motel, 1000 MacArthur Drive.

Police, who were responding to a call about a welfare concern, said there were no signs of a crime at the scene.

Autopsy and toxicology tests will be performed.

Medina-Cruz was a pastor of St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport and an assistant pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville.

Medina-Cruz was placed on administrative leave at St. Mary’s on March 12 after being accused of improper conduct with a minor. He was relieved of his duties by the Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, bishop of the diocese, pending an investigation by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. No charges…