Deacon Virgil Maxey Wheeler
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.
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.