LAFAYETTE (LA)
KADN - Fox 15 [Lafayette LA]
July 2, 2026
By Anchor Jim Hummel
News 15 Investigates has uncovered that the Diocese of Lafayette has hired a well-known bankruptcy attorney for at least one of its mounting clergy sex abuse lawsuits. Some in the legal community suggest this could indicate the diocese itself is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
The attorney, Francis LoCoco, is based in Wisconsin and previously represented the Diocese of Milwaukee in its bankruptcy case. LoCoco is also working with the Diocese of Alexandria, which declared bankruptcy in 2025. LoCoco’s bio for the Husch Blackwell firm describes him as a lifelong Catholic and cites his work on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
“Frank approaches these cases with deep humanity, prioritizing both healing for survivors and resolution for client organizations so that they can return their full attention to their charitable missions,” his bio states.
This week, the Diocese of Lafayette filed a motion to enroll LoCoco as counsel in the case of LJ Doe vs. The Diocese of Lafayette. It’s a lawsuit in which a man claims Father Michael DesJardins sexually assaulted him as a teen in 1988 during confession at a religious retreat. Fr. DesJardins was listed by the diocese in its 2019 disclosure of credibly accused clergy.
The Diocese of Lafayette has faced dozens of new lawsuits since 2024, when state lawmakers and the Louisiana Supreme Court cleared the way for a lookback window. The window gives adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse until June 14, 2027 to seek civil damages, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred.
News 15 has reached out to the diocese for comment on why LoCoco was hired, and we’re waiting to hear back.