(LA)
KPLC [Lake Charles, LA]
March 20, 2026
By Matt Phillips
A Catholic priest with ties to Southwest Louisiana has been arraigned for child sex abuse charges in Acadia Parish.
Previous coverage:
- Catholic priest with SWLA ties formally charged with child sex crimes in Acadia Parish
- Acadia Parish priest with SWLA ties arrested on child sex charges
Korey Lavergne was set to be arraigned today for the charges, but his attorney Stephen Stockstill filed a written plea of not guilty on his behalf, according to the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court.
Lavergne served at St. Edward Catholic Church and St. Thomas Mission Chapel in Acadia Parish. In early March, he was named in a Bill of Information, accused of three felony counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
The bill states he’s accused of committing “lewd or lascivious acts upon a juvenile” who was 15 years old on Jan. 1, 2024.
Lavergne was arrested Jan. 16 and posted a $15,000 bond within an hour and a half of his arrest. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
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.
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.”
St. Edward’s website still lists him as their current pastor.