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.


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