Diocese of Lafayette LA - BishopAccountability.org

51 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Jules M. Arceneaux

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

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.

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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.

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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.

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Fr. Michael J. Benedict

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 09/18/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Retired 1979. Died in 1998.

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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.

Assignments:

Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

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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.

Sources:

KATC 01.13.19

Deacon Lester Breaux

Status: Sued

Died: 03/3/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Deacon. Reported in 1/19 to have been accused in a 1986 lawsuit of molesting a boy at St. Peter's in Carencro in 1985. Suit dismissed. Breaux died in 1996. On diocese's list in 4/19. It notes he resigned in 1984.

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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.

Deacon Willis Broussard

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Permanent Deacon. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Resigned 1990.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

Fr. David Anderson Coupar

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Resigned in 1994.

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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.

Sources:

KATC 01.13.19

Fr. Herbert de Launay

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Removed in 1999.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

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.

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Fr. Michael DesJardins

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Resigned in 1992.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

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.

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Br. Rene Dorsey

Donate Photo

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. 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. 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.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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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.

Deacon Leonard J. Freyou

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Died: 05/21/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 1977. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Died in 2006.

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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.

Assignments:

BA.Org Assignment Record

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Deacon Shawn Jude Gautreaux

Ordained: 2020
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2020. Placed on leave in 6/21 due to an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor. The alleged abuse occurred "many years" prior to Gautreaux's ordination to the diaconate. Assigned to St. Bernard in Breaux Bridge.

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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.

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Fr. Michael S. Guidry

Ordained: 1971
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pastor of two parishes when diocese announced 6/2/18 that Guidry was accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The abuse occurred "several years" prior at St. Peter's. Guidry was placed on leave. He turned himself in to the Sheriff's Office 6/13/18 and confessed to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy, after plying him with alcohol. Victim filed suit in 8/18. Guidry pleaded guilty in 3/19. Ordered to register as a sex offender. On diocese's list in 4/19. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, three years suspended. Released on bail under house arrest in 4/20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent back to prison after sentencing appeals were denied. Diocese issued an apology 5/7/21; 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 8/17/21.

Deacon Louis Hanemann

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained for the permanent deaconate in 1983. Named publicly as accused by the Lafayette, LA diocese on its list in 4/19. It notes he worked at St. Genevieve's in Lafayette and in the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. Left in 1986. Removed in 2002.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

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.

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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.

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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.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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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.

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Fr. Kenneth Morvant

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

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

In 8/18 a man publicly accused Monvant of repeatedly sexually abusing him beginning when he was an 8-year-old boy altar boy over 40 years previously. He stated there were 45 known victims, that Morvant abused hundreds, and that he plied his victims with alcohol. He said his brother and cousin were victims who died by suicide. Morvant died 12/13/03. Lawsuit filed in 8/18 by the alleged victim and 10 other men claiming abuse as boys by Morvant.The alleged abuse occurred over eight years, beginning in 1971.

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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.

Sources:

Acadiana Advocate 05.10.19

Fr. Steven Parks

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Per 1/19 news report, Parks was accused in a 2003 lawsuit of molesting a boy 1966-71, beginning when the boy was age 10 and Park was at a Grand Coteau parish and an elementary school in Opelousas. Settled in 2006.

Sources:

KATC 01.13.19

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.

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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.

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Fr. Keith Anthony Potier

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Died: 08/3/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. It notes Potier resigned in 1981 and died in 2009.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fr. James W. Queren

Donate Photo

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.

Sources:

KLFY 10.06.21

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.

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Rev. Armand Cyr

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Died: 02/8/1975
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Lafayette LA on its list in 1/22. Died in 1975. (Not the same priest as Armand E. Cyr of the Portland ME diocese).

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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."

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Fr. Richard Rieboldt

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Resigned in 1985. Removed in 1989.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

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.

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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.

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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.

Assignments:

News Journal 11.16.06

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Fr. Jean-Baptiste Toussaint

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 06/23/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

From Haiti. Ordained for the Diocese of Cap-Haitien. Professor in Haiti then in New Brunswick Canada before transferring to Louisiana in 1954. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Died in 1977.

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Fr. Adrian Walter Van Hal

Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

Died: 08/30/1970
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

From Holland, where he was ordained in 1937, arriving in the U.S. the same year. Named publicly as accused by the Lafayette LA diocese on its list in 4/19. Died in 1970.

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Fr. Cornelius Van Merrianboer

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1924
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Resigned in 1933. Died in 1960. (Name likely spelled Van Merrienboer.)

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Fr. Rosaire Veilleux

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 04/14/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/19. Resigned in 1973. Died in 1986.

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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.

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