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Total Individuals: 222


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Fr. Juan Alers

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Died: 02/1/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Lake Charles LA

Ordained for the Archdiocese of San Juan in Puerto Rico. Taught for 14 years there at Catholic University. Was also Vice Chancellor, Diocesan Vocations Director and Director of Catholic Charities. In residence 2/1986-1/1987 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Atlanta while chaplain at the Federal Penitentiary. Placed on leave from the Penitentiary after a background check, which revealed allegations of abuse of youth in a program for runaways in Puerto Rico. Arrived in the Lake Charles diocese in 1987, reportedly from the Diocese of Orlando. Appointed in 4/1988 as Coordinator for Hispanic Ministries in the Diocese of Lafayette, LA. Was also pastor of an Oakdale parish and chaplain for Torrance County Detention Center in NM. Lake Charles received an allegation in 1997 that Alers sexually abused minors 1980-1985 in Puerto Rico. Removed from ministry in 2002. Died in 2011. Named publicly as accused by the Lake Charles diocese on its list 4/11/2019. Included on the Atlanta archdiocese's list in 11/2020. Included in the 3/24/2023 GA PAC Report.

Fr. William G. Allison

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 12/6/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Ordained for Diocese of Alexandria LA. Also worked in AZ and CA. Was in treatment at the Paraclete center and working in Gallup NM. There were allegations against him in Flagstaff in 1963 and a civil suit in Fresno. Died in 1987. A CA civil suit filed in 7/2011 claimed abuse in 1966. It may have been dismissed due to a 2012 CA Supreme Court ruling. Accused of abuse in Gallup, deemed credible in 2005. Suit filed in AZ in 6/2013 against the Gallup Diocese. On the Gallup diocese's list 4/28/2017.  On the Monterey diocese's list 1/2/2019. It notes a report in 2003 of abuse there 1964, 1966 and 1969. On the Diocese of Alexandria's list 2/6/2019; allegation found in file in 2019 of abuse of a boy in 1961, deemed credible. Suit in 7/2020 alleged abuse by Allison and a male college student named Henry of a young altar boy in a Monroe LA parish in the 1970s. The college student lived in the rectory. All 9 judges in the Second Circuit recused themselves from the lawsuit in 12/2020. Case reassigned to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Included in 8/2021 on the Fresno diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. John Wesley Andries

Ordained: 1996
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Suspended after accused of fondling a boy in 1998. Sent to treatment. Returned to ministry. Accused of sexual contact with 16-year-old boy at the home of boy's family in 4/01. Pled innocent 5/02. Pled guilty 5/03 to charge of sexual battery in plea bargain. Sentenced to five years in prison with all but two years suspended. Suit filed 1/03; settled in 2012. Laicized 2007. On sex offender registry as of 6/10. Died 12/31/13. On diocese's list 2/6/!9.

Fr. Jules M. Arceneaux

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Placed on leave in 7/04 after FBI seized church computer holding possible child pornography. A boy said he had downloaded the images; US Atty's office said the boy hadn't. US Atty's office closed investigation 4/05 without filing charges against priest, saying it did not have sufficient evidence to meet "prosecutable standard," i.e., could not prove those in pictures were minors. Diocese then resumed its investigation; Arceneaux remained on leave.  Reportedly leading the rosary at funerals in Lafayette in 2013. On diocese's list in 4/19; still on leave. 


Fr. Richard Raphael Archer

Order: OP
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. Became part of the Province of St. Martin de Porres when it was formed in 1979. Removed from public ministry in 2002. No indication as to when or where alleged abuse occurred. (We're placing him in the New Orleans archdiocese, where the province is based.) Per the website of St. Dominic in New Orleans, Archer was in residence; the parish has a K-7 school. Archer's 65-year anniversary as a priest was celebrated by the archdiocese in 2017. On 3/28/19, the day after SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) publicly complained of Archer's presence at the parish, the archdiocese asked the Dominicans to move him. Name added in 1/29/20 to the Baton Rouge diocese's list.


Fr. Susai Arul

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

From the Diocese of Kottar in India. Arrived in U.S. 1973. Masters degree in guidance and counseling from Villanova U. in PA, worked on doctorate in Exceptional Child Education at the U. fo S. Florida in Tampa. Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese of Mobile on its list 12/6/18, for "misconduct" 1989-90. Worked at some point at Little Flower parish. List says he was an Order priest, but doesn't name the Order. Prohibited from ministry in the archdiocese. Accused in a 2015 lawsuit of abuse in 1981 of a 10-year-old altar boy in Ville Platte in the Diocese of Lafayette LA. Settled. On diocese's list in 4/19. It notes he resigned in 1988 and died in 2002.

Fr. John Asare-Dankwah

Ordained: 1994
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Pastor of St. Peter Claver in Treme LA when accused in a lawsuit filed in 1/21 of rape and assault of a boy, age 10, during confession at a retreat in Montgomery AL in 2008. The boy was a parishioner of Blessed Trinity in New Orleans, where Asare-Dankwah was assigned. The alleged victim said the priest pulled him out of bed the morning after the sexual assault and repeatedly struck him, while praying and accusing the boy of being a homosexual. Suspended pending investigation. Asare-Dankwah was visiting family in Ghana when the suit was filed. He denied the allegations. Police were investigating. Asare-Dankwah countersued his accuser. He was reported to federal authorities after an archdiocesan audit completed in 8/21 showed possible financial crimes committed during his time at St. Peter Claver. In 12/22 the Asare-Dankwah and the man accusing him of the 2008 abuse agreed to drop their lawsuits against each other.  


Fr. Paul Avallone

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 07/31/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Received allegation from Salesians in 2011 of abuse in the archdiocese late 1950s, early 1960s. Died 7/31/2008 in NJ. Per his obituary, he was director-principal of Salesian high schools in Sherbrooke, Quebec and Marrero, LA. Reportedly also worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also, director of Salesian High in New Rochelle NY, and superintendent of New Rochelle Province schools. Master of novices at Don Bosco College Seminary in Newton NJ. Spiritual advisor for 18 years of Salesian Cooperators unit in Paterson and the Don Bosco Volunteers. Assistant for two years of St. Anthony's in Paterson, and guidance director and P.R. director at Don Bosco Tech in Paterson.

Fr. Stanley Begnaud

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 07/24/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named in an affidavit by Rev. Thomas Doyle O.P. as a "known pedophile" on file in an insurance case against Lafayette insurance carriers. Retired in 1982. Died 7/24/1985. On the diocese's list in 4/2019. Lawsuit filed in 7/2020 by a man claiming Begnaud sexually abused him at age 16 in the early 1960s. The man, who was a St. Stephen's in Berwick parishioner, said Begnaud assaulted him while driving him home from a school bonfire.

Fr. John Joseph Berube

Order: MS
Ordained: 1953
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Member of Missionary Fathers of La Salette. Died in 1998. Four men filed suit spring 2003 alleging that they were abused by Berube over a 6-month period in 1965, when he was assigned to St. Theresa of Avila church. Parents complained; Berube was transferred shortly thereafter. Worked in Canada and in Boston. Settled 4/04 just before trial. On diocese's list in 2019. It notes "priestly service" in diocese "terminated in 1965."

Fr. Henry C. Bezou

Ordained: 1938
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. Former superintendent of archdiocesan schools. In 8/19 the archdiocese settled with a man who claimed Bezou raped him in 1977, when he was a 9-year-old altar boy at St. Francis Xavier in Metairie. The man said he had been "threatened and silenced for decades." The archdiocese stated that it settled with the man to provide counseling, but was not going to add Bezou to its list of accused priests. Bezou died in 1989.

Fr. Jody P. Blanchard

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the Central and Southern Province of the Jesuits on its list 12/7/18. At Jesuit Community in Berkeley CA 1984. Worked at St. Charles Borromeo in Grand Coteau 1985-87, Loyola U's Catholic Center in New Orleans 1989-91. Also assigned at some point to Immaculate Conception in Baton Rouge and Strake Jesuit College Prep in Houston. Left the Jesuits in 1994. Reportedly working in 2019 in Lafayette LA as a counselor to the elderly. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in 2019.

Br. Everard J. Booth

Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Died: 02/23/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Jesuit brother. Died in 1986. Named publicly by the Central and Southern Province Jesuits in 2/27/20 as credibly accused of sexual abuse occurring in approximately the 1960s. More than one allegation. Worked at Jesuit High School, St. Charles College in Grand Coteau and at colleges in what later became Sri Lanka.

Br. Joseph Botto

Donate Photo
Order: SDB
Status: Accused

Died: 01/10/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From Italy, where he entered the Salesian order in 1931. Made final vows as a brother in NJ in 1936. Worked at schools in Marrero, LA, Boston MA, Tampa FL, Paterson NJ, Miami FL. The Salesians reportedly received allegations in 2010 against Botto. In 3/2020 Botto's name was included on the Salesians' list of credibly accused. It did not specify number of allegations, gender or age of victim(s) or where the abuse occurred. He died in 2000.

Fr. Claude P. Boudreaux

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 08/5/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Boudreaux, an 80-year-old teacher at Jesuit High, was placed on leave in 1/05 after a complaint of abuse occurring 30 years prior. His Order found the allegations credible. He was sent out of state for treatment, then lived in Jesuit communities in New Orleans and Wauwatosa WI. In nearly 50 years as a priest, Boudreaux's assignments included work as a missionary in Sri Lanka and India, at the order's headquarters in Rome, and ministry to other Jesuits in Mobile and New Orleans. He also taught at Jesuit high schools in Dallas TX and Shreveport LA. Died 8/5/16. On the Jesuits' Central and Southern list 12/7/18. On Houma-Thibodaux diocese's list 1/11/19, his home diocese, where he had "offered weekend assistance."

Fr. J.M. Bourgeois

Ordained: 1924
Status: Sued

Died: 06/14/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Monsignor. Per news in 1/19, accused in a lawsuit of the sexual abuse, including rape, of a 7- or 8-year-old altar boy at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ville Platte. The alleged victim reportedly uncovered his memory of the abuse during counseling in 2002. Bourgeois died in 1978.

Br. Harold Ehlinger

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Order: CSC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in multiple lawsuits pending in 11/2023 of sexually boys at Madonna Manor. Subject of previous settlements. A social worker at the facility in 1980 reported Ehlinger to her supervisor after boys in her care disclosed abuse by the Brother, and after she knocked on Ehlinger's dormitory bedroom and saw a "flustered child" there with him. Ehlinger then "disappeared." The social worker saw several years later that Ehlinger was working with children at a Catholic school. One lawsuit alleges a boy was abused by several men, including Ehlinger. He said the men would put a pillow over his face or wear masks during rapes to hide their identities. Reportedly is last known in 11/2023 to be living at a Holy Cross house in Austin, TX.


Fr. Daniel Patrick Brady

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Order: OP
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2002 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Included on the Baton Rouge diocese's list in 2019, with one known allegation, received in 2/1994, of abuse 1961-1963 while at Holy Ghost in Hammond. Left Baton Rouge in 1964. Died in 1999. Per the Dominicans' St. Albert the Great Province list 4/21/2022, Brady died in 2001. It shows an allegation received in 1989 of abuse 1973-1975, after which he was removed from public ministry, and another allegation received after Brady's death, of abuse in 1959. The list updated in 7/2022 shows multiple allegations received after Brady's death. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least four "reported survivors."


Deacon George Brignac

Ordained: 1976
Status: Indicted

Died: 06/29/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Multiple alleged victims, as young as age 3. Abuse included rape. Christian Brother; dismissed in 1960. Taught at St. Francis Cabrini Elementary School, St. John Vianney Prep and St. Matthew the Apostle. Ordained a deacon in 1976. Assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary 1976. Worked 1984-1988 at Cabrini High; a woman alleged he groped her as a student in 1984. Charged with sexual misconduct with juveniles in 1977 after the parents of a 9-year-old boy reported Brignac sexually abused their son; acquitted by a Catholic judge. Arrested in 1980 and 1988. No charges. Removed from ministry in 1988. Settlement in 5/2018 of claims of abuse of a boy, age 8, over 3 years, beginning in 1979. Outcry in 2018 when Brignac was found to be a Metarie parish lector. Also, access to children via the Knights of Columbus. New suit in 10/2018 claimed abuse 1977-1982 of a Holy Rosary altar boy, ages 8-13. Name included on the archdiocese's list 11/02/2018. Suit filed in 12/2018; settled in 3/2019. Arrested in 9/1209, charged with first-degree rape. Pleaded not guilty 12/13/2019. Died awaiting trial 6/29/2020. Settlements with at least 17 men who claimed abuse as boys by Brignac. New lawsuit in 8/2021.

Brother Harold

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a lawsuit in 11/18 by two men of sexually abusing them as teens at Hope Haven in the 1970s. Both said Brother Harold fondled them. One plaintiff said the brother forced oral sex on him during tutoring, and that a counselor at the facility paid him for oral sex. The suit was filed by four men alleging physical and sexual abuse when they were teenage residents of Hope Haven and Madonna Manor in the 1970s and 1980s.

Fr. Felix David Broussard

Ordained: 1993
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Arrested 7/27/16, charged with 500 counts of child porn possession (of children from infancy to age 12) after a technician discovered the images on Broussard's personal computer. Released on bail. Pastor of St. Bernard's and Chancellor of St. Bernard School in Breaux Bridge. Placed on leave. Pled not guilty 5/2/17. Pled guilty in 10/18. Sentenced to five years in prison. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Fr. Mark A. Broussard

Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lake Charles LA

In 12/11 the diocese told police about complaint by a man alleging abuse by Broussard 1986-89 at St. Henry Parish in Lake Charles. Arrested 3/22/12. Charged with two counts aggravated rape and 52 counts sexual battery. Resigned from the priesthood in 1994; personnel file noted unreported history of sexual contact with four other youths. Victims as young as age eight. Arrested in 4/12 on new charges involving one of four names in file. Additional charges filed in 6/12. Indicted in 8/12. New suit filed 2/21/13. Made $1.5M cash bond 10/28/13. Laicized in 2013. Found guilty 2/5/16. Sentenced 3/11/16 to two life terms, plus 50 years in prison. Appeal denied in 6/17. On diocese's list 4/11/19. Abuse of minors noted 1980-91.

Fr. Paul Calamari

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Removed from ministry in 2003 after credible allegation of abuse, likely in the 1970s, before ordination. Name first appeared on list released by Bishop Saltarelli of Wilmington, DE 11/16/06. Began working in Wilmington diocese in 1997. Was working as field supervisor for Penn State Univ's Center for Survey Research until name released. Also worked for PA Department of Corrections. Wilmington diocese released personnel files 2/12. Name included on on New Orleans archdiocese list 11/02/18. Taken off archdiocesan payroll as ordered by judge in bankruptcy in 5/20. Medical benefits reinstated by same judge after Calamari complained. Accused along with Rev. Michael Fraser in a 6/19 lawsuit of abuse of a boy beginning in the late 1970s. Calamari denied the claim but reportedly admitted to "sin" with a teen prior to priesthood. Settlement in 2018 with a man claiming abuse about ages 7-14 in about 1975-82 by Calamari, who was the man's father's cousin.

Fr. Pierre Celestin Cambiaire

Ordained: 1898
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Allegation noted to have been received in 1917, of abuse in the late 1910s. Removed from ministry in 1917. Assignments included Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cameron, St. George in Baton Rouge, St. Joseph's in Grosse-Tete and St. Leon in Leonville. Died in 11/55. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019 as he worked in the territory in the New Orleans archdiocese which later became the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Fr. Lawrence A. Cavell

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Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Removed in 3/03 after allegations that he solicited a minor for sex in late the 1980s, prior to ordination. Cavell, who had just gone on health leave from St. Mary's Nativity, admitted to the single offense. Diocese said the incident involved "words, not acts." Cavell was said to be considering leaving the priesthood. On diocese's list 1/11/19. Noted to have been "stripped of his ability to perform priestly duties."

Fr. Stanislaus Ceglar

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Order: SDB
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2010 of abuse in the 1960s. Reportedly worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in MA and ON Canada. Died in 1994. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.

Fr. Seby Shan Chemmampallil

Order: CMI
Ordained: 2014
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Shreveport LA

From the Carmeites of Mary Immaculate St. Joseph's Province in Thiruvananthapuram, India. Working in the Diocese of Shreveport LA when removed from ministry in 5/21 for violating the diocese's Policy Concerning Sexual Abuse of Minors. Chemmampallil was criminally charged on 4 counts of the possession and distribution of images and videos of the sexual abuse of children, and 2 counts of the sexual abuse of animals. He was an associate priest at Christ the King Church.

Fr. Joseph L. Chotin

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Died: 05/13/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused, along with three other priests, in a 12/87 lawsuit of making sexual advances on a teenage boy. Chotin allegedly showed the boy pornographic movies. The suit settled and was dismissed in 1991. Chotin countersued in 1987 for the "unwarranted slanderous attack." Elevated at some point to Monsignor. Died 5/13/08.

Fr. Dino Cinel

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Historian and teacher at Tulane, living at St. Rita's in 1988 when fellow priest found him with child porn and tapes he made of himself having sex with teen boys in the rectory. Not known publicly for over two years. Cinel admitted to several years of sexual activity with minor boys, particularly in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Criminal charges filed in 1991 for possession of child porn; acquitted in criminal trial 8/95 on a technicality. Had married a woman and had two children, taught at City U. of NY on Staten Island until suspended. Separated from wife. Ended up in Colombia. Laicized in 2010, divorced in 2015. One civil suit settled. In 2011 he surfaced in Italy, claiming sexual abuse as a child and petitioning the Vatican for justice. Murdered 2/1/18 in Medellin, Colombia by an 18-year-old male who said he was Cinel's lover. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18.

Fr. James C. Collery

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From Ireland. First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. It notes an allegation received in 2013 of abuse in the early 1980s. Per the Official Catholic Directory, Collery was transferred in 1983 from Metarie LA to a chaplaincy at Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville PA. He died in 1987. A lawsuit filed in 4/2020 claims abuse in the early 1980s of a St. Ann's in Metarie altar boy, beginning when the boy was age 10. Per the plaintiff's attorneys, the archdiocese knew in 1983 of an allegation that Collery had abused at least one boy. Multiple others reportedly came forward with allegations of abuse as children by Collery after news of the 4/2020 lawsuit.

Fr. Robert K. Cooper

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Died: 10/11/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A man reported in 2007 to the archdiocese that he was sexually abused in the mid-1970s by Cooper and Rev. Luis Fernandez while a student at St. John Vianney Prep. Cooper was a school counselor and disciplinarian. The archdiocese offered the man therapy. Archbishop Aymond had been a teacher at the school as a young priest, had helped the boy and other students when they complained about sexually suggestive letters they had received from Cooper. Cooper was removed from the school. Retired in 1985. Died 10/11/89. Added in 12/20 to the archdiocese's list.

Br. John L. Malachy Cosgrove

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Order: OP
Status: Accused

Died: 02/25/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Religious brother. Professed solemn vows 1959. Named publicly by the Dominicans St Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. It notes an allegation was established in 2018, but not where or when abuse was said to have occurred. Cosgrove became a part of the Province of St. Martin de Porres when it was formed in 1979. (We're placing him in the New Orleans archdiocese, where Province is based.) Per his obit, worked in Somerset, OH, Philadelphia, PA, Chimbote, Peru, New Haven, CT, New York, NY, St. Dominic Priory New Orleans (1980), Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Humble, TX and Providence, RI. Died 2/25/11 in New Orleans, where he had lived since 2000.

Fr. Paul Csik

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Order: SDB
Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 06/20/1970
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2010 of abuse in the 1960s. Reportedly worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY, FL, LA. Csik died in 1970. Included on the Salesians list in 3/2020 of credibly accused.

Br. George Curtis

Order: FSC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Per suit filed in October 1991, accused of molesting two brothers repeatedly between 1975 and 1977. Mother reportedly allowed Curtis custody of the boys 3 to 5 times per week for their benefit, per his suggestion. Curtis worked at local parish and performed educational duties at Iberia Catholic High School 1970-1991. Suit settled in 1992. Died in 1998.

Fr. Lawrence T. Dark

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 03/17/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by his order on its list 6/12/19. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in the 1960s-70s in Louisiana. Dark died in 1984. Allegations received after his death, in 1994 and 2008. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 6/19. Added to the Baton Rouge diocese's list 1/29/20. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 2020.

Fr. Carl Davidson

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

In 3/04 a man reportedly said Davidson tried to molest him as a boy in 1980 during an overnight stay at the St. John Vianney Prep school rectory in New Orleans. Davidson was a music teacher at the school. The man said he told his parents and school officials. Apparently no action until 2002, after the man and a second accuser each went to the Archdiocese about past abuse. Davidson was removed and "retired." On archdiocese's list 11/2/18, which noted allegation received in 1989 of abuse in the early 1980s. Davidson died in 2007. Settlement in 8/19 for $150K plus $10K for counseling with a man claiming abuse by Davidson when he was a teen in the mid-1980s, during sleepovers at Notre Dame Seminary.

Fr. Frank L. Davied

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

In 2013 a man told the Franciscans that Davied molested him as a child decades prior, while the priest was assigned to Our Lady of Good Harbor in Buras, LA. In 10/2020 Davied was no longer a Franciscan and was living in Pueblo, CO. He denied the allegation. On the Las Cruces diocese's list in 11/2020, where he worked 1993-1995. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 12/2020. Included 5/19/2021 on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/2022. Included in 6/2022 on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list of those with substantiated allegations. Included on the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province list as of 1/2024; noted to have been laicized.

Fr. John A. de Leeuw

Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 07/8/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

From the Netherlands. Joined the Diocese of Lafayette LA in 1953. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/12. Retired in 1986. In 2009 a social worker reported to the diocese that a woman alleged de Leeuw sexually abused her starting when she was age 13 and continuing until she was married. He was quietly removed in 2011. In 2019 the woman's sister, then in her early 60s, told a news outlet that de Leeuw sexually abused her beginning when she was about age seven and in third grade, and continuing until she was in sixth grade. She said he also sexually abused most of her six siblings. The siblings had come forward to the diocese in 2011. de Leeuw denied the allegations. He died in 2015, at age 97.

Fr. Edward D. DeRussy

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 06/2/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/18. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in the 1970s. Assigned in New Orleans most of the 1970s, per the Catholic Directory. Restricted from ministry with minors in 1991. Died in 2001.

Fr. N. Wilfred DesRosiers

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused in 2002 of sexually abusing four minors in the Lafayette LA diocese between 1967 and 1972. Was retired and living at a nursing home in Canada. On leave of absence 1972-73, then worked in TX for two years. Retired in 1975. Order was investigating and had offered counseling to victims. Note: Both 1993 and 2002 Catholic Directories show him assigned to the Baltimore Diocese. Also shows his name spelled Wilfrid. Died in 2012.

Fr. Joseph deWater

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Parish priest, spiritual director for the Catholic Girl Scouts through the 1970s. Living in the Netherlands in retirement when suspended in 12/20 by Bishop Aymond, pending investigation of an allegation of abuse in the mid-1970s of an altar boy. In a 1/21 interview deWater denied wrongdoing and said the alleged victim should not "dwell on things when he was a young boy."

Fr. Donald J. Dickerson

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Prior to ordination as a Jesuit, Dickerson was a brother of the Order of the Sacred Heart. Allegations of abuse of boys from prior to ordination and throughout priesthood. Removed from ministry, left the Jesuits in 1986. Accused in lawsuit settled in 2009 of sex abuse of boys at Jesuit High in New Orleans in the 1970s, while a seminarian. Federal suit 11/10 accused Dickerson of sex abuse of a boy, including rape, in 1982 while assigned to St. John Berchman's in Shreveport LA. Also worked at Jesuit Prep in Dallas. Died in 2018. On Central and Southern Province Jesuits List 12/7/18. Accused in suit filed in 3/19 by a former Jesuit Prep in Dallas student of sex assault in the late 1970s. Added to lawsuit with multiple plaintiffs against Dallas Prep and the diocese in 11/20; settled in 3/22.

Br. Rene Dorsey

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Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused in a 1995 lawsuit, along with Rev. Gregory Mosca, of molesting an altar boy, ages of 10-15, in the late 1970s. Diocese sent alleged victim to MN for treatment and also for other psychological services. Paid about $49,500 total for counseling.
    Documents:
    • Niel vs. Mosca et al.; Parish of Calcasiue, LA, Docket # 95-5905

Fr. Jerome Ducote

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 08/28/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Allegation received 2002 of abuse in the early 1960s. Ducote died in 2006. Included on the St. Joseph Abbey Benedictines list in 11/18. It notes that Ducote left the monastery in 1969 and was dispensed from the priesthood in 1970.

Fr. Thomas P. Duhe

Ordained: 1978
Status: Cleared

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Removed in 4/10 from St. Thomas More in Baton Rouge after allegations of sexual misconduct by a man who said Duhe abused hin in late 1990s when he was between ages of 12-15. Church task force said matter needed further investigation. Bishop said Review Board reported "no sufficient evidence could be found to substantiate or corroborate the claim." Bishop cleared Duhe and returned him to his parish 2/27/11.

Fr. Gilbert Dutel

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

As early as 1987, Anthony Fontana, a well-known attorney in Louisiana, told newly-appointed Bishop Flynn that Dutel was accusing of coercing young adult men to have sex with him. Flynn merely told him that Dutel was "cured" and the diocese needed him because of priest shortage. In 1992, another young man told an attorney that Dutel abused him in the 1970s when he was ages 9-14. Fontana included the original information in a 1995 affidavit in an insurance case but nothing ever done. Dutel remained as active priest and was working as pastor of St. Edmond Catholic Church in Lafayette. He had also worked in elementary and high schools. In 2014 Dutel denied all allegations and remained active. Diocese was defending him and said it had no records regarding the investigation that cleared him. Bishop refused to release list of accused priests. DA has said he will not investigate further until a victim asks him to do so.

Fr. Bernardine George Dyer

Order: OP
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Known as Fr. George Dyer. Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. Became part of the Province of St. Martin de Porres when it was formed in 1979. Returned to the Dominicans in 1984. Dismissed from the Order in 2010. Died in 2013. Worked in the Archdioceses of Washington DC, San Francisco, and New Orleans and the Dioceses of Providence, Montreal, Charleston, St. Petersburg, Brownsville, Galveston, Oakland, San Diego, Knoxville, Birmingham, and in Belgium. No indication as to when or where the alleged abuse occurred. (We're placing him in the New Orleans archdiocese, where the province is based.) On the Brownsville diocese's list 1/31/2019 as George B. Dyer, O.P. On Richmond diocese's list 2/13/2019. Noted to have been "dismissed." Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. John Anthony Mary Engbers

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 09/3/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused of abuse of at least nine young girls in the early 1950s to the 1970s. Four known lawsuits. Suit in 1985, settled in 2001 claimed abuse in Lake Charles of two girls, ages 3 and 6 or 7 in the early 1950s. Parents reportedly confronted Engbers, who admitted the abuse with the pastor present. Engbers was moved to another church. Another 1985 suit claimed abuse beginning 1957 of sisters ages 5 and 7, lasting into their teens. Fled to Holland in 1985 after removal from his position when Church learned of suits. Per 1989 suit, abused 3- or 4-year-old girl in Gueydan the early 1970s. Settled 1996. Engbers died in 1989. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Fr. Anthony Esposito

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as abused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2006 of abuse in the 1950s and 1960s. Reportedly worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY and IN. Included on the Salesians list of credibly accused in 3/2020. Laicized in 1973. Died in 1987.

Fr. Ernest Faggioni

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1947
Status: Settled

Died: 06/14/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Fagione or Faggione. Died 6/14/2006. At least one claim included in almost $5.2M settlement with New Orleans archdiocese in Fall 2009. Included on archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Noted that allegation received in 2006 of abuse in the 1950s and 1960s. Worked at Archbishop Shaw High School, Hope Haven in Marrero and St. John Bosco in Harvey. Also worked in MA and NY, NJ, IN, FL. Included on the Salesians list of credibly accused in 3/2020.

Fr. Justin Joseph Faler

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Order: OSB
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 04/11/1979
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Allegation received 2002 of abuse in the late 1950s. Died in 1979. Included on the St Joseph Abbey Benedictines list also in 11/18. It notes that he was alleged to have abused two minors in the late 1950s, reported in 2002 and 2006.

Fr. Vincent Feehan

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Died: 04/19/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Feehan was one of four priests accused of abuse of a boy. A civil suit settled and was dismissed in 1991. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/18. It notes allegation of received in 1987 of abuse in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and that Feehan then went on leave. He died in 2010.

Fr. Luis J. Fernandez

Order: CFC
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Reportedly in 10/2020, a man reported to the archdiocese in 2007 that he was abused in the mid-1970s as a St. John Vianney Prep student by Fernandez and Rev. Robert Cooper. The archdiocese offered to pay for the man's therapy. A second accuser came forward in 2020 with allegations of abuse by Fernandez in the 1980s. The archdiocese deemed the allegations credible. Fernandez left New Orleans in 1978 to be a military chaplain, returning to parish work in 1985. He retired in 2003 in Miami FL, where he was still living in 10/2020.

Fr. Bryan James Fontenot

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Order: OP
Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. It notes he was removed from ministry by the archdiocese in 2002 for alleged abuse occurring elsewhere. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. Multiple allegations received in 4/84 of abuse in 1983, while assigned to St. Joseph's in Ponchatoula, LA. Removed by diocese in 1984, sent to Order for supervision in 1984.

Fr. Ronald Lane Fontenot

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused of abusing in LA in the mid-1970s. Civil suit filed in LA in 1983. Placed on leave and sent for counseling. Transferred to Spokane as drug/alcohol counselor. Abused at least three there. Convicted in 1986. Sentenced to one year in jail and two years treatment at the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, NM, on probation. Six civil suits filed in Spokane in 1986 and settled in 1989. Another civil suit filed there in 2003. Went by "Jean-Paul Fontenot." Died in 2014. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Fr. Alexander Francisco

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Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Arrived in the diocese from the Philippines in 1991. Placed on leave in 7/02 from St. Bernadette's for a single offense of improper touching of an older teenager which occurred "a number of years ago." The victim and parents told the bishop at some point and requested that Francisco get psychological treatment. This was provided and Francisco was cleared to return to work by a review committee. On diocese's list 1/11/19. Noted to have been suspended again in 2003 due to new church rules. Admitted to "inappropriate physical contact" with a minor.

Fr. Jonathan W. Franklin

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1956
Status: Charged

Died: 08/1/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for Savannah diocese. Multiple allegations of abuse over three decades. Worked in New Orleans and Alexandria LA, Savannah and Atlanta GA, Pensacola FL, Cullman AL. On New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. It noted allegation received in 1959 of recent abuse; removed from ministry in the archdiocese. Accused of abuse in LA in 1966; settlement in 2005. Moved to St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL in 1975. Accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in 1985 when temporarily assigned to St. Anne's in Pensacola, FL. Franklin died by suicide 8/1/86, just before trial was to begin. On Birmingham AL diocese's list 12/14/18. On Alexandria, LA list 2/6/19. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. On Pensacola-Tallahassee list of credibly accused.

Fr. Michael B. Fraser

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 1998 lawsuit of molesting a 17-year-old boy in Pearl River in 1991. Fraser (at times spelled Frazier) denied the allegations and was allowed to remain in ministry. Suit settled in 2004. Placed on leave in 2004 after an allegation of sexual abuse of a child in the mid-1980s at Sts. Peter and Paul in Pearl River. Also accused of molesting a boy while assigned to St. Raphael the Archangel in about 1983. Credible, per Review Board. Settlement(s) in 2009. Church trial ordered. Fraser sued the archdiocese in 1/05. On the archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Lawsuit in 8/19 claimed abuse over 10 years beginning 1982 of an altar boy, age 10 or 11. Another suit alleged abuse in the late 1970s by Fraser and Rev. Paul Calamari. Died in 2019.

Seminarian James Funnell

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans student. Named publicly as accused by the Baton Rouge diocese on its list in early 2019. Multiple allegations received 1/12, 12/13 and 4/16 of abuse in the late 1970s while a youth minister in Baker, LA. Went on leave from seminary in 1979 and did not return.

Br. Robert Gandara

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Order: FSC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Per personnel file, accused in 1989 of performing homosexual acts on a 16-year-old boy who was a student at St. Paul's School in Covington. Suit filed in 1989. Police filed charges. Pleaded no contest. Spent 9 months in jail and was placed on probation until 1995. Left the order in 3/94. Worked at some point in Galveston TX as a teacher at Kirwin High School. Accused, along with Bro. Richard Langenstein, in a lawsuit filed 8/7/20 of molesting a boy in the 1980s. The boy was a student at La Salle High School.

Fr. Gilbert Gauthe

Ordained: 1971
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

First widely publicized abuser. Diocesan scout leader. Allegations first arose in 1983. Convicted in 1985 of abuse of as many as 39 young children 1972-83. Served 10 years in prison. Multiple civil suits and settlements. In 1997 pled no contest to abuse of a 3-year-old boy in TX. Given 7 years probation. Charged in 12/97 with rape of a young girl at gunpoint 20 years prior. Jailed two years in Lafayette until charges dropped. As of 2008 was living near Houston TX. Arrested in 4/08 for failing to register as sex offender. Served two years in county jail. Released 4/23/10. In 2014 living in San Leon TX. On diocese's list in 4/19. Still living in San Leon. Added to the Alexandria diocese's list.

Fr. George David Gensler

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 02/14/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Named publicly as accused by the Baton Rouge diocese on its list in early 2019. Ordained in 1970 for the Diocese of Lafayette, LA. Sworn in as Lafayette police officer in 1973; had previously been a New Orleans cop. Incardinated 1978 into Baton Rouge. Spiritual Director at St. Joseph Cathedral Prep Seminary, parish priest, chaplain for the FBI. Multiple allegations received in 2/1994 and 10/2018 of abuse in the late-1970s while assigned to St. Anthony's in Darrow. Permanently removed from ministry in 1994. Died in 2016. Two new allegations received in 2/2020.

Fr. Aldeo Gilbert

Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Bishop Schexnayder was reportedly notified in 1964 or 1965 of sex abuse of girls by Gilbert. A woman sued in 12/92 saying Gilbert had "choreographed a sexual assault on her" by two women when she was a child in 1965, but that she didn't remember until late 1991. Judge dismissed on SOL. Appeals Court affirmed the dismissal 5/3/95 . Suit filed by another woman in 11/93. Several women alleged Gilbert ran a cult in Acadia Parish 1940s-1960s via "vocation clubs" in parishes that he set up to encourage girls to become nuns. Sick leave in 1968. Absent on sick leave 1988 and 1990 per Catholic Directory. Died in 2007. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Fr. Michael S. Guidry

Ordained: 1971
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pastor of two parishes when the Diocese announced 6/2/2018 that Guidry was accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The abuse occurred "several years" prior at St. Peter's in Morrow. The victim was the son of a church deacon who served at the parish. Guidry was placed on leave. Guidry turned himself in to the Sheriff's Office 6/13/2018 and confessed to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy, after plying him with alcohol. The victim filed suit in 8/2018. Guidry pleaded guilty in 3/2019. Ordered to register as a sex offender. Included on the Diocese's list in 4/2019. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, three years suspended. Released on bail under house arrest in 4/2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent back to prison after sentencing appeals were denied. The Diocese issued an apology 5/7/2021; the victim's family said they had settled the same week. Guidry was permanently removed from ministry. In early 2021 Guidry testified that after he molested the boy in 2015, he told fellow priests in a support group. He wasn't removed until the boy came forward in 2018. Denied early release by the state parole board 8/17/2021. In 12/2023 the victim's father resigned from the diocese's diaconate and the Catholic Church  because of "distressing revelations regarding sexual abuse scandals... ."  Bishop Deshotel informed the former deacon in 3/2024 that he had been excommunicated.


Fr. Eric Gyan

Ordained: 1986
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

A woman told the diocese in 11/2017 that Gyan sexually abused her in 1996, when she was age 10 and he was pastor of St. John the Baptist in Brusly. She said the abuse occurred during confession. Gyan "categorically denied the allegation." The diocese said it reported the allegation to civil authorities and initiated its own investigation. Gyan was kept in ministry pending the investigation's outcome. The woman also claimed sexual abuse by a priest in a diocese in another state, which reportedly was being investigated there. In 2/2018 the diocese announced that it had determined that the allegation could not be substantiated.


Sr. Alvin Marie Hagan

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Died: 10/10/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 9/19 lawsuit, along with Msgr. Raymond Hebert, Srs. Martin Marie, Gertrude Marie (Sr. Alvin Marie's twin), and lay worker Charlie Earhart, of physically and sexually abusing a boy over 10-years, beginning in 1965, at Madonna Manor, a home for "troubled" children. She had also been named with Earhart and the other nuns in suits settled for $5.2M in 2009. Per the 9/19 suit, Sr. Alvin Marie fondled him in the shower, when drying him off. She died 10/10/07. Accused in a 3/22, along with Fr. Sean L. Rooney SDB, of abuse of a boy in his teens at Hope Haven in the 1970s.

Sr. Gertrude Marie Hagan

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Died: 09/27/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious (including her twin, Sr. Alvin Marie) accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children. At least one claim was included in an almost $5.2M settlement with the Archdiocese in Fall, 2009. Accused in a 9/19 suit along with two other nuns, a priest and a lay employee of Madonna Manor, of abuse of a boy at the facility over 10 years, beginning in 1965.

Fr. Paul S. Hart

Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

In 2012 a woman reported to the archdiocese that when she was a 17-year-old high school student in 1990 Hart sexually abused her. She was a participant in the CYO at St. Ann's in Metarie, where Hart was assigned. The archdiocesan review board determined that Hart had abused the girl. Because canon law at the time stated that adulthood was at age 16, Archbishop Aymond told the Vatican that Hart had not abused a minor. Hart was allowed to remain in active ministry. In 1/2022 he stepped down from his job as chaplain of Brother Martin High School after the school learned of the earlier allegation. Hart and the archdiocese reportedly said his retirement was due to health issues. Further, Hart said that he had never been accused of misconduct with anyone under age 18.


Fr. Lloyd P. Hebert

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 01/27/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Reportedly in 1986 Hebert resigned after being accused of molesting an adolescent in Opelousas. A young man complained about him and wanted him removed from his parish; Hebert left Opelousas to live with relatives. In a 1988 deposition former Bishop Frey characterized him as a child molester who was suspended by the diocese. Hebert died in 2004. On diocese's list in 4/19.


Fr. Raymond P. Hebert

Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Died: 01/16/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. Sued in 2005 by four men claiming abuse as boys by Hebert at Madonna Manor. The Archdiocese said it was mistaken identity. Hebert denied abuse and sued the four accusers for defamation. He was retired; remained in ministry. By 3/2010 all claims were dismissed; one plaintiff had died, one was deemed too emotionally disabled to continue and the last two claims had been withdrawn by the plaintiffs. Hebert withdrew his counter-suit after attorneys for the accusers filed an acknowledgment in court that Hebert did not molest their clients when they were children at Madonna Manor. He died 1/16/2014. A suit filed in 9/2019 alleged abuse of a boy by Hebert, three nuns and a lay employee in the 1960s-1970s at Madonna Manor. It settled for $325K in 1/2020.

Fr. Lawrence Hecker

Ordained: 1958
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. It notes an allegation received in 1996 of abuse in the late 1960s and the 1970s. Had been confronted in 1988 by Archbishop Hannan about an allegation he had abused a boy. Confessed to his superiors in 1999 to the sexual abuse of seven teenagers 1966-1979. A victim had come forward weeks after Hecker was made monsignor. Sent to treatment, diagnosed as a pedophile. Also found to have sexually abused an adult male with a mental disability. Kept in ministry until he was allowed to quietly retire in 2002. The Review Board recommended Hecker be monitored; in 2020 Hecker said he was unaware of any monitoring. Accused in a 4/2019 lawsuit of fondling a group of boys at St. Joseph's in Gretna in 1968. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. Per attorneys, Hecker was a serial pedophile who abused "countless" children, and the archdiocese knew for decades. One man alleged he was "choked out and raped" by Hecker as a child. The church acknowledged in 3/2020 that there had been settlements in four cases involving Hecker, and of a first report in 1988. Subject of an FBI investigation in 2022. Archdiocesan files regarding Hecker were given in 6/2023 to the New Orleans district attorney. Admitted to a news reporter in 8/2023 that he committed "overtly sexual acts" with at least three boys in the late 1960s and 1970s and to having close relationships with four others into the 1980s. Criminally charged 9/7/2023 with the rape and kidnapping of a teenager decades prior. Pleaded not guilty 9/13/2023. Trial set for 3/25/2024 postponed pending a mental competency evaluation of Hecker.

Fr. Alphonse Rodrigue Hemond

Order: MS
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 10/23/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Ordained for the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. Incardinated into the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 1978. Worked in West Warwick, RI; Ontario, Canada; Baton Rouge, Scotlandville and Maringouin, LA. Retired and died in 1990. Allegations received in 11/1992, 5/2002 and 6/2002 of abuse in the 1960s-1970s while at St. Tomas More in Baton Rouge. On Galveston-Houston's list 1/31/2019. On Baton Rouge diocese's list 3/27/2019. Noted to have left Baton Rouge in 1968. Included in 4/2019 on the Diocese of Tyler's list.

Fr. Luis E. Henao

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Ordained: 1974
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From Colombia. Placed on leave in 5/2002 after a review of personnel files revealed allegations that he engaged in sex with a minor in 1981. Returned to ministry in 11/2002 after the Diocesan Review Board determined it could not substantiate the allegations. Reportedly in 8/2023, Henao has dementia and is living in Colombia. 


Fr. L. Michael Herpin

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Removed from his post as vicar of the central region and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Broussard and sent to treatment in 7/02 after admitting that he had engaged in sexual impropriety with a minor about 30 years prior. Review committee agreed. Status "retired" in 2017. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Fr. Henry Brian Highfill

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 01/23/2022
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Added to the archdiocese's list of accused in 8/2020. Removed in 2018 after allegations of abuse, occurring 1975-1981. Had left the area in the early 1980s; became a military chaplain, settled in Las Vegas. Worked in 1975 at a Houma LA parish, then part of the N.O. archdiocese. Accused in a lawsuit of abuse of an altar boy, age 10, in the early 1970s at a Metarie parish. "Improper relationship" with the boy for over 15 years. The alleged victim died by suicide in 1993. In 1994 his family showed a monsignor cards and love letters from Highfill to the boy; no action. In 8/2018 family showed the cards and letters to Archbishop Aymond, but no further response. In 9/2018 the family contacted the Las Vegas diocese, which investigated and found the allegations credible. A lawsuit was filed in 2019 by a man alleging abuse as an Air Force enlistee near Alexandria, LA in the early 1980s. Highfill's name was added to the Las Vegas diocese's list in 8/2020. Reportedly in 12/2121, Highfill was being investigated by the Air Force for alleged abuse in the 1980s of an airman and of a boy, age 11. Also, a woman told a news outlet that in 2002, she told the archdiocese that Highfill molested her at a Metarie church when she was 16 in 1975. Highfill died 1/23/2022.

Fr. Gerard Joseph Howell

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused along with his brother, Fr. Rodney Howell, of molesting dozens of students at school for deaf in New Orleans in the 1970s. On the archdiocese's list of accused 11/2/2018. It notes an allegation received in 1978 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Also per the 11/2018 list, Howell was removed in 1980; however the Catholic Directories show he was on sick leave in 1978, then assigned to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Deaf Center in Baton Rouge, where he remained until he was sent to treatment in 1981. Reassigned in 1982 to a parish in Westwego LA. Absent on leave 1986-1992. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019, noting an allegation in 3/2001 of abuse in the late-1970s at St. Francis de Sales Deaf Center in Baton Rouge. Returned to New Orleans in 1981, removed from ministry in 1992. Living in a South Dakota monastery in 2003. Removed from ministry. Sent by New Orleans archbishop Aymond in 2009 to St. John Vianney Center for treatment, where he was diagnoses included pedophilia. Was reportedly living in TX in 2019. Taken off the archdiocesan payroll as ordered by a bankruptcy judge in 5/2020. Medical benefits were reinstated by the same judge after Howell complained.

Fr. Michael F. Hurley

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 08/3/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. It notes allegation received in 1945 of abuse in the 1940s, and that he left the archdiocese in 1955. Died 8/3/05 in Clarkdale AZ, where he had been pastor of St. Cecilia Mission Church. Per his obit, Hurley went from New Orleans to St. Leo's in Chicago until 1961, then to parishes Tucson AZ 1961-63, Phoenix 1963-69, Tempe 1969-71, Bullhead City 1971-74, Sun City 1974-76, then Clarkdale 1976-2002, when he retired. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

Fr. Salvatore “Sam” Isgro

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1962
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 12/18 lawsuit of raping a 17-year-old boy after rendering him dizzy and disoriented, possibly with chloroform, in 1979. The plaintiff said he met the priest at a hospital where he was working to earn money for a class ring. He said he informed Bishop Aymond in 9/18, who said he believed him and put him in touch with a Salesian official, Fr. Stephen Ryan. Ryan and his attorney allegedly told the man "to keep the entire issue quiet" and had him sign an agreement for psychiatric treatment, which they would fund. Isgro died in 1990.

Fr. Patrick Keane

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A man told church authorities in 1994 of repeated abuse when he was a teenager in the early 1980s by Keane in a Metairie rectory. Keane was sent for treatment, left priesthood. Archdiocese did not apologize or notify parishes. Keane admitted the abuse in a sworn deposition in 1999. Settlement in 2003. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Noted to have been removed from ministry in 1995, after report in 1994 of abuse in the 1980s.

Fr. James Kilgour

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Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 1987 lawsuit of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy 1980-1981. Suit claimed Kilgour continued to make sexual advances on youth through 1987. Kilgour was reportedly the boy's teacher and counselor at Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville. Also accused were Revs. Vince Feehan. Kilgour was placed on leave in 1987. Suit settled and dismissed 4/91. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Per its updated list in 2022, Kilgour died in 2021.

Fr. Gerard P. Kinane

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Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Died: 03/2/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Placed on leave without faculties in 3/04 after a man alleged that Kinane molested him in 1973 and again in 1975 when he was a teen and Kinane was assigned to St. Mark's in Chalmette. Had been performing limited ministry prior to his suspension. No criminal charges because of statute of limitations. Also worked in PA and FL. Vatican ordered church trial in 2004. Kinane sued the archbishop in 2005 for defamation; suit dismissed in 2010. On New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. It noted accusation first received in 1993 of abuse in the 1970s and 1980s. On Houma-Thibodaux diocese's list 1/11/19. (Houma-Thibodaux was created 1977; it had been part of New Orleans archdiocese.) On 3/9/20 we received an anonymous report that Kinane died in FL. Per obit, Kinane was from Conway, AK and died in Safety Harbor FL 3/2/20, age 74.

Fr. August Kita

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 06/12/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

At least one claim included in almost $5.2M settlement with the New Orleans archdiocese in Fall, 2009. Kita died in 2008. On New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received 2006 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY, MA, Tampa, NJ. Included on the Salesians' list in 3/2020 of credibly accused.

Fr. Patrick R. Kujawa

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Ordained: 1995
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Sent for treatment after housekeeper found 220 pornographic photos in the rectory in 12/99. Arrested in 1/00 and charged with 62 counts of downloading child porn. Pled guilty in 12/00; received a 10-year probated sentence. Arrested again in 2/04 after more porn found at a Benedictine monastery where he was living. Received a mandatory 10-year prison sentence in 4/04. Received an additional 10-year sentence in 9/04 for violating original probation. On diocese's list 1/11/19. It notes he is due for release from prison in 2022.

Fr. Mansour Labaky

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Lebanese Catholic Maronite priest. Musician, composer. Established and directed a children's choir in Lebanon. Worked in the U.S. in the early 1970s. Established homes for children in Lebanon and France. In 2011 a woman alleged sexual abuse by Labaky in France as a child. Others then came forward. At least 27 alleged victims known, including his niece. Labacky is said to have likely abused many more. The abuse occurred 1976-97, and his victims were girls as young as age 7. On 4/23/12 the Vatican decreed that Labaky live a life of prayer and penance with restricted ministry for sexually abusing three minors and committing the crime of solicitation on one. On 2/12/12, while the case was being considered first in Paris, Labaky presided at a mass at St. Garabad Armenian Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He was living in Lebanon in 2016 when Interpol issued an arrest warrant; Lebanon refused extradition. In 11/21 Lebasky was convicted in absentia in Caen, Normandy France, of the rape and sexual assault of three children at an orphanage that he opened in 1990.  He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He reportedly continued to remain free in Lebanon.


Fr. Clyde Bernard Landry

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Died: 08/18/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in early 2019. Allegations received in 6/1988, 2002 and 2004 of abuse in the 1970s-1980s. Resigned and placed on leave in 1988. Left the diocese in 1990 to work for the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, NM. He was co-director of aftercare at the Paraclete's Villa Louis Martin facility for pedophile priests. Later worked for the Norbertine's in NM. Faculties removed in 1999. Died in 2003.

Fr. Wesley Michael Landry

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Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Landry admitted to the Archdiocese in 1993 that he had had a sexual relationship for decades with a man. The man claims that Landry 'seduced' him when he was an altar boy at Incarnate Word Church in New Orleans in the 1950s and continued the relationship for over 45 years. Landry gave him money for sex, amounting to $80,000-$100,000 over the years. The Archdiocese gave the man $7,000 for a release and Landry "retired." Landry died in 2002. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18.

Br. Richard J. Langenstein

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Order: FSC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A retired Christian Brother and former high school teacher, counselor, principal and college vice president when accused in 1997 of abuse of a 15-year-old boy. The boy was a student at Covington High School, where Langenstein was a volunteer substitute teacher. Civil suit filed in 1998. Pleaded no contest in 2000 to a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Given a three years suspended sentence and five years probation. Reportedly died in 2003, at age 68. Accused, along with Br. Robert Gandara, in a suit filed 8/7/20 of molesting a De La Salle High School student for two years in the 1980s.

Fr. Marshall R. Larriviere

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 08/27/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused in a 9/03 civil suit of raping a 7-year-old girl in 1968. Later consolidated with another suit filed by a second woman. Both suits alleged Larriviere sexually abused them as children at his Vermilion Parish camp in the 1960s. Both matters settled for unknown amount 9/08. Retired to FL where he died 8/27/14 in Ft. Myers. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Fr. Ralph V. Lawrence

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Ordained: 1916
Status: Accused

Died: 05/30/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/18. It noted an allegation received in 1935 of abuse in the early 1930s. Went on leave of absence in 1935. Died in 1992. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

Fr. Etienne LeBlanc

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Placed on leave in 8/07 from assignment at Annunziata in Houma after accusation by a 26-year-old man that LeBlanc sexually abused him, including rape, when he was a 9-year-old altar boy Holy Cross in Morgan City in the early 1990s. LeBlanc denied the allegations; was sent for counseling 1986-87. Accuser filed civil suit in 2007 and made a criminal complaint. In 7/11, court ordered the diocese to turn investigative report over to plaintiff. Diocese objected. Other alleged victims known. Documents to remain sealed as of 8/11. Case settled in 10/12. On diocese's list 1/11/19. It notes "diocese stripped LeBlanc of his ability to perform priestly duties."

Fr. Louis LeBourgeois

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Per news in 11/18, a woman reported to law enforcement that LeBourgeois sexually abused her when she was four years old in 1968. She said he picked her up at her River Ridge preschool and abused her in his car. Law enforcement reportedly told her the statute of limitations had expired. In 2014 she told the Los Angeles archdiocese, where she was then living, who referred the case to New Orleans. The archdiocese confronted LeBourgeois, who denied the abuse. He went into a coma and died three months later. The Review Board had not yet seen the case.The archdiocese paid for the woman's therapy, but did not include LeBourgeois on its 11/2/18 list of credibly accused clergy. She filed suit in 8/19.

Fr. Daniel Paul Lemoine

Ordained: 1979
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

A lawsuit filed in 1999 alleged abuse by LeMoine of a teenage boy in the early 1990s; settled in 4/2002. Confidentiality orders from judge. Settlement amount not disclosed but "well below...$600,000." D.A. began investigation after learning of settlement. LeMoine had been evaluated after abuse incident and offered treatment. On diocese's list in early 2019. It notes multiple allegations received 1/1994, 4/1999 and 4/2007, of abuse in the late 1970s - early 1980s. Placed on leave in 1994, faculties removed in 1999.

Fr. Robert Marcel Limoges

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

"Skipper." From Quebec Province, ordained in Lafayette LA. Accused in the early 1980s of molesting two boys, ages 6 and 7. Report in 1/83 of fondling an adolescent in Eunice. D.A. did not charge as Limoges was to be treated. Sent to House of Affirmation in CA 7/84 - 2/84. Assigned to parish in Baton Rouge diocese in 3/84. Accused in 1984 by a teen boy of making sexual advances while on camping trip. Boy told parents who called another priest; Limoges was confronted by Msgr. Larroque. Admitted to behavior; removed from assignment. Sent to St. Bernard Abbey in AL 7/84. Larroque told family all costs of counseling would be covered by Diocese. Parents told D.A. who refused to press charges. Civil suit filed 1991. Trial court dismissed; plaintiffs appealed. Appeal denied 2006. On Lafayette diocese's list in 4/19. Added to Baton Rouge diocese's list in 7/19.

Deacon James Lockwood

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Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Deacon. First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Allegation noted to have been received in 1978 of abuse in the late 1970s. Removed from ministry in 1978. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. Had worked as a lay teacher for five months at St. Aloysius School in Baton Rouge.

Fr. James D. Loeffler

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 03/22/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province 2/27/20. Multiple allegations of abuse occurring in the 1950s and 1960s. Worked in Miami, FL; West Palm Beach, FL; El Paso, TX; Albuquerque, NM; San Antonio, TX; Augusta, GA; Grand Coteau, LA; Key West, FL. Died in 1984.

Fr. Frederick J. Lyons

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Retired 1989. Placed on leave without privileges 1/06 after two allegations of sexual misconduct with minors, occurring "decades" prior, were deemed credible by the diocesan review board. Ordered by Vatican to live life of prayer and penance, per 11/13 announcement. Title "Msgr." removed. On diocese's list 2/6/19.

Br. Samuel F. Martinez

Order: FSC
Ordained: 2016
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A 3/03 lawsuit claimed abuse of a boy at Cathedral High in El Paso in the mid-1980s. At least 10 men alleged abuse there as boys when he was principal 1976-85. Others alleged abuse in New Orleans in the 1970s, prior to El Paso. Suit settled in 7/04. One of the additional plaintiffs filed suit in 5/04. Working in Santa Fe NM when suit filed. Retired. Two men settled a suit in 1/12 for $1.6M. New suit in 3/12, another in 4/12. Living in Lafayette, LA in 9/14 and allowed (under safety plan) to travel to Holy Family Community on the campus of John Paul The Great Academy on weekends for religious exercises. Visits stopped after publicity. Died in 2016. On El Paso diocese's list 1/31/19.

Fr. Andrew (Dorfmeister) Masters

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 03/19/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 1993. Died in 2008, at age 98. Included on the Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province list of credibly accused, as Rev. Andrew (Dorfmeister) Masters. Included on the Archdiocese of Chicago's list 5/4/2023. Abuse occurred in Chicago in the 1950s and in Louisiana in the 1970s. Assigned in WI, IL, Rome, England, South Africa, Ireland and the Southern U.S. Province. Included on the Southern Province's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Donald P. McCarthy

Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Ordained for the Diocese of Austin where he worked 1959-61. After a leave of absence he was incardinated in 1968 to the Salina, KS diocese. Accused in a 2/1/05 lawsuit of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy, along with Rev. Leger Tremblay, in 1955 in the Alexandria diocese. McCarthy was then a seminarian at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, TX. Abuse said to have included rape and oral battery. McCarthy knew the boy from Camp Maryhill near Pineville, LA. The case was dismissed 7/31/06 due to the statute of limitations. McCarthy died 11/27/17.

Fr. Naos McCool

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Irish priest who spent time in New Orleans and Pittsburgh over the years. Assisted in the 1970s in the summers at Our Lady of Guadalupe and International Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans, and as New Orleans police chaplain. Returned often to preside at weddings through 2011. Assistant dean for students of the Duquesne University school of education in Pittsburgh 2001-2015. Chaplain for Vincentian Academy (High School) near Pittsburgh. Accused, along with three other men, of repeatedly sexually abusing a boy at an Irish Boarding school in the 1970s. Allegedly began abusing the boy, then age 14, who had come to him to report abuse by the others. McCool was the school's dean of studies. Reportedly would beat the boy with a wooden stick then sexually assault him. McCool's accuser received a settlement from the Spiritans in Ireland after coming forward in 2018. In 10/2023 McCool was living as a nursing home resident in Ireland.


Fr. Jamie Medina-Cruz

Ordained: 1999
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Native of Puerto Rico. Removed from assignment at St. Mary's Assumption in Cottonport and St. Joseph's in Marksville 3/12/13 after he was accused of misconduct with a minor. Sheriff's office was conducting an investigation. Found dead in hotel room 6

Fr. Robert L. Melancon

Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/5/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Arrested in 6/1995. Had already been placed on leave and sent for therapy. Charged with raping an 8-year-old altar boy repeatedly 1985-1991. In 7/1995 someone gave Melancon's attorney a $1M cashier's check to pay for bail. Convicted in 6/1996. Sentenced to life without parole. Accuser settled a civil suit with diocese for $800K. Church paid $30K in 1993 to settle with another person who had a "relationship" with Melancon as a minor. Melancon was reported to have admitted during trial to "sexual relationship" with a 12-year-old at St. Genevieve's in Thibodaux. Died in prison 11/5/2018, age 82. Included on the diocese's list 1/11/2019.

Fr. Carlos Melendez

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Priest of the Missionaries of Christ Crucified in El Salvador. Named publicly as accused on the Houma-Thibodaux diocese's list 1/11/19. Worked at some point in the diocese in Hispanic ministry. Accused of inappropriate physical contact with a child. Removed from ministry within the diocese after pleading guilty to battery of a minor. Returned by federal immigration authorities to El Salvador.

Fr. Kenneth Morvant

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 12/13/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

In 8/2018 a man stated publicly that Morvant repeatedly sexually abused him over two years, beginning when he was an 8-year-old altar boy at St. Martin de Tours in Martinville. The man stated there were 45 known victims, and that Morvant abused hundreds. He said that most of the abuse occurred in the parish rectory, and that Morvant would ply his victims with alcohol. The abuse allegedly involved Morvant masturbating in front of the children as well as oral sex and sodomy. The man also said that his brother and cousin were victims who died by suicide. Morvant died 12/13/2003. The alleged victim and 10 other men filed a lawsuit in 8/2018. Some of the plaintiffs claimed that they were abused for eight years. In 1/2024 the LA Supreme Court heard the civil case brought by six plaintiffs alleging abuse by Morvant decades prior when they were ages 8-14. In 3/2024 the LA Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a law that passed in 2021 opening a window to allow victims to sue perpetrators of child sexual abuse beyond the state's usual 1-year statute of limitations. 


Fr. Gregory Mosca

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Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lake Charles LA

Olivetan Benedictine. Accused in a 1995 lawsuit, along with Br. Rene Dorsey, of molesting an altar boy, ages of 10-15, in the late 1970s. On the Lake Charles diocese's list 4/11/19. Multiple accusations of abuse 1980-82, received by the diocese 1986 and 1993, occurring at St. Henry in Lake Charles and in Houston TX. Removed from ministry in 1986. Died in 2018.


Fr. Henry Neubig

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 08/20/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Ordained for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Incardinated into the Baton Rouge diocese when it was formed in 1961. Died in 1975. Named publicly as accused by the Baton Rouge diocese on its list in early 2019. It notes an allegation received in 8/2007 of abuse by Neubig in the mid-1950s, while he was assigned to Immaculate Conception in Lakeland.

Br. Edmund Normantowicz

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Order: MS
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lake Charles LA

La Salette Missionary. Per the 1989 Catholic Directory was also a permanent deacon in St. Louis, MO. By 1999 he was a permanent deacon in the Lake Charles, LA diocese. Named publicly as accused by the Lake Charles diocese on its list updated in 11/2019. (Name misspelled Normanmtowicz, first name Edward, but is Edmund in Directories and father's 2014 obituary.) Lake Charles' list notes accusations of sexual abuse of minors, occurring 1976-1978 and 1980 in Sulphur, LA and reported to the diocese in 2003 and 2019. Prohibited from ministry. Appears to have been long living with his order in Hartford, CT.

Fr. Albert G. Nunez

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Reportedly accused in 2015-16 of molesting two brothers, one by then deceased, in the 1970s. Report to state police; investigation closed because the surviving brother did not want to press charges. Another man said that when he was age 12, Nunez "spooned" him in bed after his mother insisted the boy stay the night in the rectory. Nunez denied the allegations. Not on diocese's list 4/12/19. Retired in 2018; living in 5/19 in a diocesan nursing home.

Rev. William J. O’Donnell

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for the Maryknoll order. Worked in Guatemala for four years. Air Force chaplain. Left the Maryknolls and became a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where he worked in parishes and as a Metropolitan Tribunal judge. Retired in 2009. Accused in 2016 of raping two adolescent boys over a two-year period. (Time-period unclear.) The Archdiocesan Review Board deemed the allegations credible and the victims received settlements of $125K and $100K. Archbishop Aymond, however, said the allegations had "no semblance of truth" and did not add him to the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused. In 2018 another allegation was received, that O'Donnell spanked teenagers.


Br. Claude L. Ory

Order: SJ
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Worked at Jesuit High in New Orleans in the 1970s. Accused in 2007 lawsuit of repeated molestation of a Jesuit High student 1974-1977, beginning when the boy was age 14. Settled. Accused repeatedly of abuse while assigned to Jesuit High School in Dallas; removed 1994. Moved in 1995 to Mobile, AL. In 2000 moved to Baltimore's Loyola College campus, where he was in charge of managing the Jesuits' residence hall until 2007. In 9/2018 may be living in at a Jesuit residence in Baltimore. On the Jesuits' Central and Southern list 12/7/2018. On Maryland Province Jesuits list 12/17/2018. Added to Baltimore archdiocese's list in 2/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Fr. Joseph Pankowski

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 05/21/1981
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2006 of abuse in the 1940s and 1950s. Worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY and NJ. Died in 1981. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians' list of credibly accused.

Fr. J. Donald Pearce

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 05/7/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Allegation received in 2003 of abuse in the 1960s. Jesuit High School Spanish teacher 1960-61, prefect of discipline 1961-65, and president 1965-68. Died 5/7/16. On the Jesuits' Central and Southern Province list 12/7/18. Multiple allegations.

Fr. Joseph F. Pellettieri

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pellettieri (also spelled Pelletieri) was suspended by the Order and by the New Orleans Archdiocese 4/02 after allegation that he sexually abused a minor in 1967. Abuse allegedly occurred when Pellettieri was teacher and principal at Notre Dame High School in Crowley, LA. At time of suspension he was in charge of Ave Maria Retreat House. Also worked in Wisconsin, Baton Rouge and Alexandria. Sued 3/03. In 12/08 Appeals Court upheld dismissal of suit on SOL. On New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Died in 2018. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

Fr. Alfred Pimple

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 10/27/1983
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 1959 of abuse in the late 1950s. Added 10/15/2020 to the Diocese of Wichita's list, where he worked 1969-1970 and 1973-1983. Included in 6/2022 on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Pimple died 10/27/1983.

Sr. Cheryl A. Porte

Order: MSC
Status: Accused

Died: 04/17/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

The Marianites received an allegation in 1979 that Porte was sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, who was a student at Opelousas Middle School where Porte was a teacher. The abuse began in 1978 when the girl was 12. Porte was reportedly sent to the Order's provincial house in New Orleans, and received counseling. She lived there until 1985, worked for the Charlotte NC diocese for two years, then returned to New Orleans. She relocated in 1992 to study for her doctorate at St. Louis University. As of 2002 Porte still functioned as a nun, living in O'Fallon and teaching at St. Louis University. She would sometimes speak at adult seminars in the Diocese of Belleville. After a 7/2002 meeting with the victim, the Marianites acknowledged an "inappropriate relationship." Porte died in New Orleans 4/17/2020.

Fr. Donald Raymond Pousson

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 07/7/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

In 6/02 the bishop said that an investigation of Pousson was pending but that no action had been taken because a review committee had not yet been formed. Pousson was accused of molesting a boy about 10 years prior. Pousson denied the allegation. He said that he had been treated several times for "alcohol but never sex abuse." The diocese reportedly learned of the alleged molestation in the mid-1990s but in 2002 the bishop denied prior knowledge. Placed on administrative leave in 1994 and spent several months in in-patient treatment in St. Louis. Died 7/07/13.

Fr. David Primeaux

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Died: 12/27/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused of abuse of at least 15 children 1978-83. Admitted in psychological evaluations as early as 1980 to sexually abusing boys, beginning in 1980 when he was teaching at St. Benedict in Covington, LA. Per a 4/02 news article the Diocese settled a lawsuit in 2000 in which it admitted that Primeaux molested a boy in the early 1980s while at St. Joseph's in Milton. Had also been assigned to St. Thomas More in Lafayette. Left active priesthood in 1985 and later married. Died by suicide 12/27/12. On diocese's list in 4/19.


Fr. Gerald Prinz

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

Accused in a 1995 lawsuit of abuse in 1973 and 1978. On New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. It notes he was incardinated into the Houma-Thibodaux diocese when it was created in 1977, and that he resigned from the priesthood in 1990. Per some accounts, he left the priesthood in the late 1980s. On Houma-Thibodaux diocese's list 1/11/19. It notes accusation in 2002 of rape of a boy in the 1970s while assigned to St. Gregorys and St. Louis.

Fr. Valerie Pullman

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 01/9/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

The diocese knew of "reported pedophiia" as early as 1966. Former Bishop Frey admitted in court insurance case documents that he knew of allegations against Pullman. Pullman was assigned to parishes in Lake Arthur, Elton, Lafayette and Lake Charles. He served as Vicar for Black Catholics and on the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. He left active ministry in 1985 and settled in Jennings, LA. One claim, of abuse of an altar boy in 1972, was made in 2003 and settled in 07/2008. Pullman died 1/9/17. His name was included on the Lake Charles diocese's list in 2/21, noting that allegations of abuse in the diocese were received in 10/99 and 2/21. Multiple allegations. A new suit in 8/21 claims abuse by Pullman of a boy, age 12, while assigned to St. Maria Goretti in Lake Arthur. The boy was a student at the parish school and an altar boy. The boy allegedly reported the abuse to a church superior who then transferred Pullman to another church.

Fr. James W. Queren

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Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 08/29/1992
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

In 10/21 three men in their 50s stated publicly that Queren repeatedly sexually abused them and "nearly a dozen" other boys when they were 10- and 11-year-old altar servers at Holy Family in Lawtell. The priest allegedly used them to recruit other boys, and tried to have them "do each other" in a group. At least one of them had come forward to the diocese in 2018. Queren died in 1992.


Fr. Harry Quick

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 05/23/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Sealed documents opened in 2014 revealed that church officials forced Quick into counseling in 1977 after allegations from a Eunice LA church. The 1977 memo noted that "it was assumed every time he moved it was because there was some complaint of molestation." Named as child molester in former Bishop Frey's January 1988 deposition. Quick denied abusing boys (at least two) but did admit to relationship with a seminarian. Died in 1994.

Fr. Samuel H. Ray

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1925
Status: Accused

Died: 11/22/1983
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits' Central and Southern Province on its list 12/17/2021. Noted to have more than one allegation against him. Abuse estimated to have occurred in the 1940s and 1950s. Ray died in 1983. Included in 6/2022 on the New Orleans archdiocese's list, where he was assigned at some point; no known abuse there.


Fr. Mark Richard

Ordained: 1996
Status: Charges Dropped

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Arrested in 1/97 after found with a 14-year-old boy in a van parked on dead-end road at 1:30 in the morning. Richard claimed the boy had problems and wanted to talk. Placed on leave and suspended him from priestly ministry. Richard and the boy both denied any wrong-doing and charges were dropped. Bishop wanted further evaluation. Soon after charges were dropped, Richard was "quietly forced to resign."

Fr. Robie Robichaux

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Monsignor. Prominent diocesan official. Suspended in 10/18 after allegations of sexually abusing a girl, ages 16-18, 1979-81. His accuser came forward to the diocese in 1994 and 2004; Robichaux was kept in ministry. She again contacted the diocese in 2018. The woman filed suit in 2020. A second woman alleged in 2018 that Robichaux abused her in 1975 when she was a 17 -or 18-year-old High School senior and he was a deacon in New Iberia. Investigation ongoing in 1/19. Bishop Jarrell appealed to the Vatican; appeal denied.

Fr. Elmo J. Rogero

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 08/17/1959
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/18. Died 1959. Allegation received after his death of abuse in the 1950s. Unclear as to where. Worked in New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL.

Fr. Patrick Sanders

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse when placed on leave in 2004. Two men had come forward to allege that Sanders abused them on a trip to Biloxi Mississippi in 1993, when they were age 16. Placed on permanent leave in 4/05. Vatican ordered an administrative hearing for Sanders. Sanders not technically charged with abuse of a minor because church law at the time defined minors as those under 16. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18.

Fr. John C. Sax

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Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sax was archdiocesan director of priest personnel 1991-1999. Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2000 after allegation. Admitted that he molested an altar boy on numerous occasions 1980-1985 at St. Peter's in Reserve. Suit filed in 5/01 but it was not served until 2002. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18.

Fr. Bernard Schmaltz

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Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 02/5/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux LA

A man filed lawsuit in 1992 alleging abuse by Schmaltz on a 1973 fishing trip to Slidell, LA and in a rectory. Suit says the boy told several people, including pastor. Schmaltz was placed on paid leave. In 8/95, trial judge ruled plaintiff had waited too long to file suit. Schmaltz retired in 1996, saying allegations of sexual abuse had dogged his priesthood with other allegation at an earlier assignment. Allegation of abuse in 1970s were also received. Schmaltz filed suit against the archbishop for slander in 2004. Died 2/5/10. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18. On Houma-Thibodaux diocese's list 1/11/19. (It was established in 1977, formerly part of New Orleans archdiocese.)

Fr. Jody J. Simoneaux

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pastor of St. John's in Jeanerette when diocese announced 11/1/18 that Simoneaux was placed on leave due to an allegation of "improper behavior with minors" over 30 years prior. The incidents reportedly occurred while Simoneaux was assigned to St. Anthony's Church and St. Edmund High School in Eunice, and St. Anne's in Youngsville. Diocese and police investigating. On diocese's list in 4/19.

Sister Martin Marie

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Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for children. A man claimed that she beat him as a boy when he tried to tell her about rape by Gilbert Gauthe when Gauthe was a seminarian. Accused in a 9/2019 lawsuit along with two other nuns, a priest and a lay employee of Madonna Manor, of abuse of a boy at the facility for over 10 years, beginning in 1965. Settled for $325K in 1/2020.

Sister Mary Omer Obermark

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Died: 03/21/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children. At least one claim was included in an almost $5.2M settlement with the Archdiocese in Fall 2009. In references to the settlement, she is referred to as Mother Superior Mary Omer. She died in 1992.

Fr. Gerard C. Smit

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained in the Netherlands. In Lafayette LA diocese by 1957. Report to police 1982 of abuse of a boy 1965-70 in Youngsville. Said Smit stalked him. Complaint to bishop 1986 of sex abuse of girls. Fathered two children in Cankton LA. To Jemez Springs NM for treatment. Still of Lake Charles diocese (est. from Lafayette diocese 1980) sent to Wilmington DE diocese 1987. Removed 1996. Name first released on list by Wilmington bishop 11/16/06. Was teaching at U of Delaware's Academy of Lifelong Learning, for adults over 50. Lafayette bishop removed Smit from public ministry and contact with minors in 2011, informed DE. Personnel files released 2/12. Allegedly abused at least eight in LA. Report to diocese 2010 of abuse of altar boy in Cankton in 1970s. Complaint to police 2015 of abuse of altar boy in 1961 in Youngsville. Sentenced 2013 to Life of Prayer and Penance. Living in PA. Died in 2022.

Fr. Joseph P. Sokol

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Order: SDB
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 03/30/1970
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on its list 2/14/2020. (The archdiocese had initially named Alfred Sokol, SDB, which was a mistake.) Allegation received in 2010 of abuse in the 1940s. Sokol worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Per the Salesian order on its list in 3/2020, Sokol also worked in NJ, and left the order in 1957. He died in 1970.

Fr. Christopher Joseph Springer

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Baton Rouge LA

Cristoff/Christopher. Worked in Corpus Christi, TX and Baton Rouge. Incardinated into the Baton Rouge diocese in 1973. Faculties removed in 1985. Laicized in 1990. First sued in 1994. Accused of abuse 1968-80 in several suits. Ten suits filed in 2006. Some settled. As many as 30 alleged victims. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. On Corpus Christi diocese's list 1/31/19. Left the diocese in 1971. On Galveston-Houston list 1/31/19. On New Orleans archdiocese's list in 6/19.

Fr. Malcolm Strassel

Ordained: 1934
Status: Settled

Died: 05/3/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. First publicly named as accused in 9/18. Died 5/3/87. Accused in a lawsuit settled in 2009 of fondling a boy while assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes In Uptown New Orleans 1969-71. Plaintiff's attorney said SOL had not lapsed, but church worked to conceal the abuse for years. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18, which noted allegation received in 2006. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

Fr. J.C. Leger Tremblay

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Ordained: 1948
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Accused 2/1/05 of abusing 14-year-old boy, along with seminarian Donald P. McCarthy, in 1955 . Abuse allegedly included rape and oral battery, and the boy silenced by threats. Complaint states diocese was contacted 1990 and Bishop Friend confirmed in 2004 that Tremblay was a pedophile who abused 'numerous youths.' Per Diocese, Tremblay was removed 1987 for 'attempted, unwanted physical advance toward a minor.' Reportedly defrocked 1989. Trained in Quebec and New Orleans. Died 1/13/02. On diocese's list 2/6/19. Settlements in 2004 and 2005.

Fr. Leo Van Hoorn

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Alexandria LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 2/6/19. From Holland. Arrived in the U.S. in 1956. Suspended from active ministry in 1979. Died in 2006. Allegation to Review Board in 2006 of sexual abuse of a male minor in 1967. A 2019 review by the Board of Van Hoorn's file showed evidence of another credible allegation of sex abuse of a male minor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/20 of abusing a boy in first or second grade at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pineville, in 1962-63. The suit claims Van Hoorn "raped and sexually assaulted many young boys."

Fr. J. Patrick Walsh

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Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lake Charles LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the U.S. Central and Southern Province Jesuits on its list in 12/21, with one allegation. Abuse estimated to have occurred 1959-60. Noted to have died in 1993. Included in 1/22 on the Diocese of Lake Charles list, where the alleged abuse occurred. Also on the New Orleans archdiocese's list.


Fr. Patrick Wattigny

Ordained: 1994
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Wattigny was pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell, since 2013, when he told archdiocesan officials on 10/1/2020 that he sexually abused a minor in 2013. Removed from assignment, law enforcement notified. About four months prior Wattigny resigned from Pope JP II High School, where he was chaplain, after sending a male student inappropriate texts. Sent for psych evaluation. Other assignments included chaplain at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie for over ten years until 5/2013, and pastor of St. Benilde in Metairie 2000-2013. Arrested in Georgia later in 10/2020. Added to the archdiocese's list in 12/2020. Charged in 3/2021 with molesting a boy, age 15, 6/1/2013-8/31/2014. Pleaded not guilty. Subject of FBI investigation in 2022. Arrested again in 10/2022 for the  abuse of an elementary school-aged boy in the mid-1990s. Pleaded guilty in 7/2023 to molesting both boys. Sentenced to five years in prison and five years' probation. Required to register as a sex offender.

Fr. John Anthony Weber

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 02/22/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/18. Allegation of abuse received in 2005 of abuse in the 1940s. Incardinated into the Baton Rouge diocese when it was formed in 1961. Retired in 1995. Died in 2000. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. It notes an allegation received in 3/96 of abuse in 1956, while assigned to Assumption of the BVM in Plattenville. Suit filed in 3/22 with claims of abuse of a boy 1975-76, beginning when the boy was age 13, at St. Charles Borromeo in Baton Rouge.

Deacon Virgil Maxey Wheeler

Ordained: 2018
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 04/6/2023
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for the diaconate in 2018. Assigned to St. Francis Xavier in Old Metairie. Attorney. The archdiocese announced on 8/3/2020 that Wheeler had been removed from ministry due to an allegation that he abused a minor 20 years prior. Reportedly in 11/2020 Wheeler was being investigated for allegations of the rape in his home 1/2000-12/2001 of a boy ages 10-12. Arrested 3/8/2021. Admitted in 12/2022 to molesting the boy. Pleaded guilty to four charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Agreed to 5 years probation and to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Had agreed prior to pleading guilty to a $5M settlement, but revoked the agreement after learning he would have to register as a sex offender. Died in 4/2023.

Fr. Benjamin L. Wren

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Died: 07/20/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Taught at Jesuit high schools in TX and New Orleans LA before 35-year career as Asian History and Zen teacher at Loyola University in New Orleans. Left priesthood to marry in 1996. Died in 2006. Accused in 9/16 lawsuit of sexually assaulting and raping a girl on campus hundreds of times 1978-85, beginning when the girl was age 5. Her grandmother worked at the University. Wren's accuser said he told her that if she told their "special secret" she and her family would die and go to hell. Settlement announced in 7/18. On archdiocese's list 11/2/18. On Jesuits' Central and Southern Province list 12/7/18.

Fr. Charles J. Zaunbrecher

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 06/19/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Per a 7/02 article, Zaunbrecher, who died in 1996, is listed as having molested children while serving as a priest. He spent time away from his ministry on "special assignment." In 1985-95, he was assigned to the Church of the Little Flower in Mobile, AL He returned to Lafayette in 1995. On Lafayette diocese's list in 4/19. It notes he retired in 1995.