NEW ORLEANS (LA)
WDSU [New Orleans]
October 17, 2025
By Erin Lowrey and Aubry Killion
New documents have revealed graphic allegations against a former New Orleans priest who was extradited to face child sex abuse charges.
WARNING: Details in this story are graphic and may be upsetting to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
According to the U.S. Marshals, Mark Ford, 64, was arrested in September and charged with four counts of first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, two counts of sexual battery, and two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.
He was extradited to New Orleans following his arrest in Indiana last month. Friday (October 17th, 2025), he made a court appearance in New Orleans where he was ordered to be held without bond.
The state asked that Ford be held without bond because he does not live here and still has access to children and a vulnerable population. Ford’s attorney argued he is not a danger or flight risk and this is only an accusation by one family. He said his client could be held with home incarceration.
New documents reveal that a man with special needs reported in November 2024 to his mother that he was abused by Ford when he was 10 years old.
The mother reported the allegations to police, and he was interviewed by authorities.
According to court documents, the victim claims that Ford was a priest at his childhood church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
According to the victim’s mother, her son has physical disabilities that permanently recognize him as a juvenile despite reaching the age of an adult.
The victim reported to police that he was abused by Ford on four different occasions in his family home. Court documents show Ford would often signal the “Shhh” motion to the victim during the abuse.
The victim told police that on multiple occasions Ford would expose himself to him, including on Christmas Day in their family home.
The victim also said on some occasions he was forced to watch pornography with Ford.
The victim’s mother told police her son became a member of Ford’s church group for children with disabilities called “God’s Special Children.”
Ford would come to the family home often for guitar lessons and to play computer games.
The victim told police he tried to get Ford to stop multiple times during the abuse, but Ford forced him to continue, according to court documents.
Following the interview, police issued a warrant for Ford’s arrest.
Ford was arrested in Indiana by the USMS Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.
He was booked into the Porter County Jail and was later extradited to New Orleans to face charges.
WDSU reached out to the Archdiocese of New Orleans for a statement regarding the allegations against Ford. According to a spokesperson with the archdiocese, there had been no complaints about Ford prior to his arrest announced in the media.
We received the following statement:
“The only information we have on the allegations against Mr. Ford are from media reports, which indicate this remains an open law enforcement investigation. We have no update from the Vincentians who would have the responsibility for the church investigation and final disposition of allegations against a religious order priest.”
WDSU received this statement from the Congregation of the Mission | The Vincentians Western Province:
“We can confirm that Mark Ford was a Vincentian priest and served in the Congregation of the Mission Southern Province during a portion of the time that the offenses are alleged to have occurred. He left the order in 2006. The Southern Province later merged with two others to form the current Western Province.”
“The offenses of which Mr. Ford is accused have no place in society, and we continue to pray for all victims of abuse.”
WDSU also received this statement from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office:
“The allegations against Mr. Ford are deeply serious and disturbing. He is accused of using his position to commit violent and reprehensible acts against a child with a disability. These allegations represent an unacceptable breach of trust and a level of vulnerability that should never be taken advantage of.
“Our hearts and our focus are with the survivor and their family. Their strength in coming forward is extraordinary, and this Office stands firmly beside them with empathy and unwavering support.
“Due to the nature of the alleged conduct, our Office argued that Mr. Ford should be held without bail and requested an opportunity to present the compelling reasons why he should remain in custody as the case moves toward trial. The Court granted that request, and a hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, at which time we will lay out the evidence and facts supporting our position that this defendant should not be released.
“From the moment we became aware of this matter, we have worked diligently with our law enforcement partners to prepare a strong, evidence-based prosecution. While Mr. Ford, like all accused individuals, is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the people of New Orleans can trust that we will pursue justice without hesitation and seek full accountability for every offense the evidence supports.”