Fr. Gerard Joseph Howell
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.
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