(LA)
KPLC [Lake Charles, LA]
March 11, 2026
By Matt Phillips
A Roman Catholic priest with ties to Southwest Louisiana has been formally charged with child sex crimes in Acadia Parish.
Korey Lavergne, who served at St. Edward Catholic Church and St. Thomas Mission Chapel in Acadia Parish, was named in a Bill of Information last week, accused of three felony counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
The bill states Lavergne is accused of committing “lewd or lascivious acts upon a juvenile” who was 15-years-old at the time of the offense, which happened on Jan. 1, 2024.
Lavergne is a native of DeQuincy who studied music at McNeese for two years before attending St. Benedict Seminary College in Covington and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He then pursued full-time work as a deacon intern in Eunice and parochial vicar in New Iberia and Lafayette.
Lavergne served as the Diocese of Lafayette’s official courier, bringing documents to the Vatican advocating for the sainthood of Charlene Richard, known as the “Little Cajun Saint,” who is buried at St. Edward.
Lavergne was arrested Jan. 16 and posted a $15,000 bond within an hour and a half of his arrest. St. Edward’s website still lists him as their current pastor.
Following Lavergne’s arrest back in January, the Diocese of Lafayette released a statement, saying it would “continue to assist law enforcement and request prayers for all who were involved.”
According to KATC-TV, Lavergne’s arraignment is set for 9 a.m. March 20 at the Acadia Parish Courthouse. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.