LAFAYETTE (LA)
Lafayette Daily Advertiser
October 9, 2018
By Amanda McElfresh
A high-ranking Diocese of Lafayette official has been removed from his position and placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual abuse.
Msgr. Robie Robichaux had most recently been the diocese’s judicial vicar and head of the marriage tribunal.
The alleged abuse involved a female between 1979 and 1981, when the female was 16 to 18 years old.
Bishop Douglas Deshotel said he learned of the allegations against Robichaux on Sept. 18. However, the alleged victim first notified the diocese about Robichaux in 1994.
“In 1994, the matter was handled according to the protocols in place at that time, before the adoption of the Charter and the policy of zero tolerance,” Deshotel said at a Monday press conference.
Deshotel said he immediately ordered an investigation when he learned of the allegations. The matter was referred to the Sexual Abuse Review Board made up entirely of laypersons.
Deshotel said this board “unanimously advised me of their belief that the allegation has the semblance of truth.”
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