LOUISIANA
The Town Talk
A 48-year-old priest with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria was found dead Friday in a room at a local hotel, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
Police identified the man as Jamie Medina-Cruz. He was found in the Value Place Motel, 1000 MacArthur Drive.
Police, who were responding to a call about a welfare concern, said there were no signs of a crime at the scene.
Autopsy and toxicology tests will be performed.
Medina-Cruz was a pastor of St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport and an assistant pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville.
Medina-Cruz was placed on administrative leave at St. Mary’s on March 12 after being accused of improper conduct with a minor. He was relieved of his duties by the Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, bishop of the diocese, pending an investigation by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. No charges had been filed.
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