Fr. Henry Brian Highfill

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.