NEW ORLEANS (LA)
WVUE TV
January 11, 2019
By Amanda Roberts
Houma-Thibodeaux is the third diocese across South Louisiana to release a list of priests credibly accused of child sex abuse. Bishop Shelton Fabre released the list with 14 names on Jan. 11.
In the Houma-Thibodaux area, Allyce Himel said there was always rumors running throughout the Catholic schools about inappropriate behavior.
“There was a lot of talk about it, but nothing really was done,” she said.
She says now that there’s a list of 14 names released to the public of priests credibly accused of child sex abuse, she’s glad the truth is getting out there.
“It’s horrible. It’s horrible, and like we were saying glad their names are out because it should be known,” said Himel.
Of the 14 names, none are currently in ministry. Eight are still alive: Lawrence Cavell, Alexander Francisco, Etienne LeBlanc, Gerald Prinz, Gerard Kinane, Ramon Luce and Daniel Poche. The eighth living priest, Patrick Kujawa, is incarcerated.
The whereabouts of two other priests, Dac Nguyen and Carlos Melendez, are unknown.
FOX 8 tried to reach those on the list, either by phone or in person, but was unsuccessful.
Gerald Prinz is not a new name. He was also included on the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ list of credibly accused released in November. According to our partners at NOLA.com | The Times Picayune, an anonymous plaintiff sued Prinz in 1995, claiming the priest abused him in the 1970s at St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish in Houma and St. Louis Parish in Bayou Blue.
When reached at his home, a man who identified himself as Prinz’s brother answered the door.
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