Archdiocese of New Orleans LA - BishopAccountability.org

101 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Richard Raphael Archer

Order: OP
Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. Became part of the Province of St. Martin de Porres when it was formed in 1979. Removed from public ministry in 2002. No indication as to when or where alleged abuse occurred. (We're placing him in the New Orleans archdiocese, where the province is based.) Per the website of St. Dominic in New Orleans, Archer was in residence; the parish has a K-7 school. Archer's 65-year anniversary as a priest was celebrated by the archdiocese in 2017. On 3/28/2019, the day after SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) publicly complained of Archer's presence at the parish, the archdiocese asked the Dominicans to move him. Name added in 1/29/2020 to the Baton Rouge diocese's list.

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Fr. John Asare-Dankwah

Ordained: 1994
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Pastor of St. Peter Claver in Treme LA when accused in a lawsuit filed in 1/2021 of rape and assault of a boy, age 10, during confession at a retreat in Montgomery AL in 2008. The boy was a parishioner of Blessed Trinity in New Orleans, where Asare-Dankwah was assigned. The alleged victim said the priest pulled him out of bed the morning after the sexual assault and repeatedly struck him, while praying and accusing the boy of being a homosexual. Suspended pending investigation. Asare-Dankwah was visiting family in Ghana when the suit was filed. He denied the allegations. Police were investigating. Asare-Dankwah countersued his accuser. He was reported to federal authorities after an archdiocesan audit completed in 8/2021 showed possible financial crimes committed during his time at St. Peter Claver. In 12/2022 the Asare-Dankwah and the man accusing him of the 2008 abuse agreed to drop their lawsuits against each other.

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Fr. Paul Avallone

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 07/31/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Received allegation from Salesians in 2011 of abuse in the archdiocese late 1950s, early 1960s. Died 7/31/2008 in NJ. Per his obituary, he was director-principal of Salesian high schools in Sherbrooke, Quebec and Marrero, LA. Reportedly also worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also, director of Salesian High in New Rochelle NY, and superintendent of New Rochelle Province schools. Master of novices at Don Bosco College Seminary in Newton NJ. Spiritual advisor for 18 years of Salesian Cooperators unit in Paterson and the Don Bosco Volunteers. Assistant for two years of St. Anthony's in Paterson, and guidance director and P.R. director at Don Bosco Tech in Paterson.

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Fr. John F. Basty

Ordained: 1908
Status: Accused

Died: 07/30/1956
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained in 1908, died in 1956. First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation noted to have been received in 1946, of abuse in the 1940s.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. James Francis Benedict

Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 01/5/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. It noted allegation was received in 2003 of abuse in the late 1950s. Benedict died in 1984.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Fr. Henry C. Bezou

Ordained: 1938
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. Former superintendent of archdiocesan schools. In 8/2019 the archdiocese settled with a man who claimed Bezou raped him in 1977, when he was a 9-year-old altar boy at St. Francis Xavier in Metairie. The man said he had been "threatened and silenced for decades." The archdiocese stated that it settled with the man to provide counseling, but was not going to add Bezou to its list of accused priests. Bezou died in 1989.

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WVUE TV 08.07.19

Br. Everard J. Booth

Order: SJ
Status: Accused

Died: 02/23/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Jesuit brother. Died in 1986. Named publicly by the Central and Southern Province Jesuits in 2/27/2020 as credibly accused of sexual abuse occurring in approximately the 1960s. More than one allegation. Worked at Jesuit High School, St. Charles College in Grand Coteau and at colleges in what later became Sri Lanka.

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Jesuits Central and Southern Province List 02.27.20

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Br. Joseph Botto

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Order: SDB
Status: Accused

Died: 01/10/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From Italy, where he entered the Salesian order in 1931. Made final vows as a brother in NJ in 1936. Worked at schools in Marrero, LA, Boston MA, Tampa FL, Paterson NJ, Miami FL. The Salesians reportedly received allegations in 2010 against Botto. In 3/2020 Botto's name was included on the Salesians' list of credibly accused. It did not specify number of allegations, gender or age of victim(s) or where the abuse occurred. He died in 2000.

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Salesians List 03.31.20

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Fr. Claude P. Boudreaux

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 08/5/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Boudreaux, an 80-year-old teacher at Jesuit High, was placed on leave in 1/2005 after a complaint of abuse occurring 30 years prior. His Order found the allegations credible. He was sent out of state for treatment, then lived in Jesuit communities in New Orleans and Wauwatosa WI. In nearly 50 years as a priest, Boudreaux's assignments included work as a missionary in Sri Lanka and India, at the order's headquarters in Rome, and ministry to other Jesuits in Mobile and New Orleans. He also taught at Jesuit high schools in Dallas TX and Shreveport LA. Died 8/5/2016. Included on the Jesuits' Central and Southern list 12/7/2018. On the Houma-Thibodaux diocese's list 1/11/2019, his home diocese, where he had "offered weekend assistance."

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Br. Harold Ehlinger

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Order: CSC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in multiple lawsuits pending in 11/2023 of sexually boys at Madonna Manor. Subject of previous settlements. A social worker at the facility in 1980 reported Ehlinger to her supervisor after boys in her care disclosed abuse by the Brother, and after she knocked on Ehlinger's dormitory bedroom and saw a "flustered child" there with him. Ehlinger then "disappeared." The social worker saw several years later that Ehlinger was working with children at a Catholic school. One lawsuit alleges a boy was abused by several men, including Ehlinger. He said the men would put a pillow over his face or wear masks during rapes to hide their identities. Reportedly is last known in 11/2023 to be living at a Holy Cross house in Austin, TX.

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The Guardian 12.03.23

Fr. Daniel Patrick Brady

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Order: OP
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2002 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Included on the Baton Rouge diocese's list in 2019, with one known allegation, received in 2/1994, of abuse 1961-1963 while at Holy Ghost in Hammond. Left Baton Rouge in 1964. Died in 1999. Per the Dominicans' St. Albert the Great Province list 4/21/2022, Brady died in 2001. It shows an allegation received in 1989 of abuse 1973-1975, after which he was removed from public ministry, and another allegation received after Brady's death, of abuse in 1959. The list updated in 7/2022 shows multiple allegations received after Brady's death. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes at least four "reported survivors."

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Deacon George Brignac

Ordained: 1976
Status: Indicted

Died: 06/29/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Multiple alleged victims, as young as age 3. Abuse included rape. Christian Brother; dismissed in 1960. Taught at St. Francis Cabrini Elementary School, St. John Vianney Prep and St. Matthew the Apostle. Ordained a deacon in 1976. Assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary 1976. Worked 1984-1988 at Cabrini High; a woman alleged he groped her as a student in 1984. Charged with sexual misconduct with juveniles in 1977 after the parents of a 9-year-old boy reported Brignac sexually abused their son; acquitted by a Catholic judge. Arrested in 1980 and 1988. No charges. Removed from ministry in 1988. Settlement in 5/2018 of claims of abuse of a boy, age 8, over 3 years, beginning in 1979. Outcry in 2018 when Brignac was found to be a Metarie parish lector. Also, access to children via the Knights of Columbus. New suit in 10/2018 claimed abuse 1977-1982 of a Holy Rosary altar boy, ages 8-13. Name included on the archdiocese's list 11/02/2018. Suit filed in 12/2018; settled in 3/2019. Arrested in 9/1209, charged with first-degree rape. Pleaded not guilty 12/13/2019. Died awaiting trial 6/29/2020. Settlements with at least 17 men who claimed abuse as boys by Brignac. New lawsuit in 8/2021.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Brother Harold

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a lawsuit in 11/2018 by two men of sexually abusing them as teens at Hope Haven in the 1970s. Both said Brother Harold fondled them. One plaintiff said the brother forced oral sex on him during tutoring, and that a counselor at the facility paid him for oral sex. The suit was filed by four men alleging physical and sexual abuse when they were teenage residents of Hope Haven and Madonna Manor in the 1970s and 1980s.

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Br. Dave Brueschere

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Order: SDB
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named in a 2005 civil suit. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children. At least one claim included in an almost $5.2M settlement with Archdiocese in Fall 2009.

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Times-Picayune 08.25.05
Times Picayune 03.11.10

Fr. Paul Calamari

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Removed from ministry in 2003 after credible allegation of abuse, likely in the 1970s, before ordination. Name first appeared on list released by Bishop Saltarelli of Wilmington, DE 11/16/2006. Began working in the Wilmington diocese in 1997. Was working as field supervisor for Penn State Univ's Center for Survey Research until name released. Also worked for PA Department of Corrections. The Wilmington diocese released personnel files in 2/2012. Name included on on New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/02/2018. Removed from the archdiocesan payroll as ordered by the judge in bankruptcy in 5/2020. Medical benefits reinstated by the same judge after Calamari complained. Accused along with Rev. Michael Fraser in a 6/2019 lawsuit of abuse of a boy beginning in the late 1970s. Calamari denied the claim but reportedly admitted to "sin" with a teen prior to priesthood. Settlement in 2018 with a man claiming abuse about ages 7-14 in about 1975-1982 by Calamari, who was the man's father's cousin.

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Fr. Pierre Celestin Cambiaire

Ordained: 1898
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation noted to have been received in 1917, of abuse in the late 1910s. Removed from ministry in 1917. Assignments included Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cameron, St. George in Baton Rouge, St. Joseph's in Grosse-Tete and St. Leon in Leonville. Died in 11/1955. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019 as he worked in the territory in the New Orleans archdiocese which later became the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Stanislaus Ceglar

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Order: SDB
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2010 of abuse in the 1960s. Reportedly worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in MA and ON Canada. Died in 1994. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.

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Salesians List 03.31.20

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Fr. Joseph L. Chotin

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Died: 05/13/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused, along with three other priests, in a 12/1987 lawsuit of making sexual advances on a teenage boy. Chotin allegedly showed the boy pornographic movies. The suit settled and was dismissed in 1991. Chotin countersued in 1987 for the "unwarranted slanderous attack." Elevated at some point to Monsignor. Died 5/13/2008.

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Fr. Dino Cinel

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Historian and teacher at Tulane, living at St. Rita's in 1988 when a fellow priest found him with child porn and tapes he made of himself having sex with teenage boys in the rectory. Not known publicly for over two years. Cinel admitted to several years of sexual activity with minor boys, particularly in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Criminal charges filed in 1991 for possession of child porn; acquitted on a technicality in 8/1995. Had married a woman and had two children, taught at City U. of NY on Staten Island until suspended. Separated from wife. Ended up in Colombia. Laicized in 2010, divorced in 2015. One civil suit settled. Surfaced in Italy in 2011, claiming sexual abuse as a child and petitioning the Vatican for justice. Murdered 2/1/2018 in Medellin, Colombia by an 18-year-old male who said he was Cinel's lover. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018.

Fr. James C. Collery

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From Ireland. First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. It notes an allegation received in 2013 of abuse in the early 1980s. Per the Official Catholic Directory, Collery was transferred in 1983 from Metarie LA to a chaplaincy at Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville PA. He died in 1987. A lawsuit filed in 4/2020 claims abuse in the early 1980s of a St. Ann's in Metarie altar boy, beginning when the boy was age 10. Per the plaintiff's attorneys, the archdiocese knew in 1983 of an allegation that Collery had abused at least one boy. Multiple others reportedly came forward with allegations of abuse as children by Collery after news of the 4/2020 lawsuit.

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Fr. Robert K. Cooper

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Died: 10/11/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A man reported in 2007 to the Archdiocese that he was sexually abused in the mid-1970s by Cooper and Rev. Luis Fernandez while a student at St. John Vianney Prep. Cooper was a school counselor and disciplinarian. The Archdiocese offered the man therapy. Archbishop Aymond had been a teacher at the school as a young priest and had helped the boy and other students when they complained about sexually suggestive letters they had received from Cooper. Cooper was removed from the school. Retired in 1985. Died 10/11/1989. Added in 12/2020 to the archdiocese's list.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans Revised List 12.08.20

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Br. John L. Malachy Cosgrove

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Order: OP
Status: Accused

Died: 02/25/2011
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Religious brother. Professed solemn vows 1959. Named publicly by the Dominicans St Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. It notes an allegation was established in 2018, but not where or when abuse was said to have occurred. Cosgrove became a part of the Province of St. Martin de Porres when it was formed in 1979. (We're placing him in the New Orleans archdiocese, where Province is based.) Per his obit, worked in Somerset, OH, Philadelphia, PA, Chimbote, Peru, New Haven, CT, New York, NY, St. Dominic Priory New Orleans (1980), Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Humble, TX and Providence, RI. Died 2/25/2011 in New Orleans, where he had lived since 2000.

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Fr. Paul Csik

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Order: SDB
Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 06/20/1970
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2010 of abuse in the 1960s. Reportedly worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY, FL, LA. Csik died in 1970. Included on the Salesians list in 3/2020 of credibly accused.

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Salesians List 03.31.20

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Fr. Jerry J. Dabria

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Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a lawsuit of the sexual abuse of a minor, resulting in a settlement of $87,500. The Archdiocesan Review Board deemed the allegation credible, yet Archbishop Aymond did not add Dabria's name to the Archdiocese's list of accused. Dabria died in 2019.

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Fr. Lawrence T. Dark

Order: CSC
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 03/17/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by his order on its list 6/12/2019. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in the 1960s-1970s in Louisiana. Dark died in 1984. Allegations received after his death, in 1994 and 2008. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 6/2019. Added to the Baton Rouge diocese's list 1/29/2020. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 2020.

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Fr. Carl Davidson

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

In 3/2004 a man reportedly said Davidson tried to molest him as a boy in 1980 during an overnight stay at the St. John Vianney Prep school rectory in New Orleans. Davidson was a music teacher at the school. The man said he told his parents and school officials. Apparently no action until 2002, after the man and a second accuser each went to the Archdiocese about past abuse. Davidson was removed and "retired." Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018, which notes an allegation received in 1989 of abuse in the early 1980s. Davidson died in 2007. Settlement in 8/2019 for $150K plus $10K for counseling with a man claiming abuse by Davidson when he was a teenager in the mid-1980s, during sleepovers at Notre Dame Seminary.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Frank L. Davied

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

In 2013 a man told the Franciscans that Davied molested him as a child decades prior, while the priest was assigned to Our Lady of Good Harbor in Buras, LA. In 10/2020 Davied was no longer a Franciscan and was living in Pueblo, CO. He denied the allegation. On the Las Cruces diocese's list in 11/2020, where he worked 1993-1995. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese's list in 12/2020. Included 5/19/2021 on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list in 2/2022. Included in 6/2022 on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list of those with substantiated allegations. Included on the Franciscans' Our Lady of Guadalupe Province list as of 1/2024; noted to have been laicized.

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Fr. Edward D. DeRussy

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 06/2/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/2018. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in the 1970s. Assigned in New Orleans most of the 1970s, per the Catholic Directory. Restricted from ministry with minors in 1991. Died in 2001.

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Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

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Fr. Joseph deWater

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From the Netherlands, where he was ordained. Parish priest, spiritual director for the Catholic Girl Scouts through the 1970s. Was living in the Netherlands in retirement when suspended in 12/2020 by Bishop Aymond, pending the investigation of an allegation of abuse in the mid-1970s of an altar boy. In a 1/2021 interview deWater denied wrongdoing and said the alleged victim should not "dwell on things when he was a young boy."

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Fr. Donald J. Dickerson

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Prior to ordination as a Jesuit, Dickerson was a brother of the Order of the Sacred Heart. Allegations of abuse of boys from prior to ordination and throughout priesthood. Removed from ministry, left the Jesuits in 1986. Accused in lawsuit settled in 2009 of sex abuse of boys at Jesuit High in New Orleans in the 1970s, while a seminarian. Federal suit 11/2010 accused Dickerson of sex abuse of a boy, including rape, in 1982 while assigned to St. John Berchman's in Shreveport LA. Also worked at Jesuit Prep in Dallas. Died in 2018. On Central and Southern Province Jesuits List 12/7/2018. Accused in suit filed in 3/2019 by a former Jesuit Prep in Dallas student of sex assault in the late 1970s. Added to lawsuit with multiple plaintiffs against Dallas Prep and the diocese in 11/2020; settled in 3/2022.

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Fr. Jerome Ducote

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 08/28/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received 2002 of abuse in the early 1960s. Ducote died in 2006. Included on the St. Joseph Abbey Benedictines list in 11/2018. It notes that Ducote left the monastery in 1969 and was dispensed from the priesthood in 1970.

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Fr. Bernardine George Dyer

Order: OP
Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Known as Fr. George Dyer. Named publicly as accused by the Dominicans St. Joseph Province on its list in late 2018. Became part of the Province of St. Martin de Porres when it was formed in 1979. Returned to the Dominicans in 1984. Dismissed from the Order in 2010. Died in 2013. Worked in the Archdioceses of Washington DC, San Francisco, and New Orleans and the Dioceses of Providence, Montreal, Charleston, St. Petersburg, Brownsville, Galveston, Oakland, San Diego, Knoxville, Birmingham, and in Belgium. No indication as to when or where the alleged abuse occurred. (We're placing him in the New Orleans archdiocese, where the province is based.) On the Brownsville diocese's list 1/31/2019 as George B. Dyer, O.P. On Richmond diocese's list 2/13/2019. Noted to have been "dismissed." Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Jeff Anderson and Associates Assignment Record

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Fr. Gilbert Enderle

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Taught in the U.S. and in Nigeria for decades. Assigned 2005-2013 to the Redemptorist Worldwide Headquarters in Rome, Italy as an author and editor. Involved with Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Assigned for almost ten years, until 3/2024, to St. Alphonsus in New Orleans. Reportedly in 8/2024, Enderle was accused in a 2002 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy over 20 years prior, while principal of a Redemptorist high school north of New Orleans. The boy was a student. The allegation against the boy came to light after a woman reported to the police in 3/2024 recent sexual assault against her by the priest. She also told the Archdiocese, which told her in late 4/2024 that Enderle had been transferred to a Redemptorist community and assisted living facility in Liguori, MO. Parishioners in New Orleans were not informed of the allegations nor of his transfer to St. Louis. Enderle denied all allegations.

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The Guardian 08.19.24

Fr. Anthony Esposito

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as abused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2006 of abuse in the 1950s and 1960s. Reportedly worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY and IN. Included on the Salesians list of credibly accused in 3/2020. Laicized in 1973. Died in 1987.

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Salesians List 03.31.20

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Fr. Ernest Faggioni

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1947
Status: Settled

Died: 06/14/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Fagione or Faggione. Died 6/14/2006. At least one claim included in almost $5.2M settlement with New Orleans archdiocese in Fall 2009. Included on archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Noted that allegation received in 2006 of abuse in the 1950s and 1960s. Worked at Archbishop Shaw High School, Hope Haven in Marrero and St. John Bosco in Harvey. Also worked in MA and NY, NJ, IN, FL. Included on the Salesians list of credibly accused in 3/2020.

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Fr. Justin Joseph Faler

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Order: OSB
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 04/11/1979
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received 2002 of abuse in the late 1950s. Died in 1979. Included on the St Joseph Abbey Benedictines list also in 11/2018. It notes that he was alleged to have abused two minors in the late 1950s, reported in 2002 and 2006.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Michael Farino

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Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Removed from ministry in 1990 after an allegation. Abuse allegedly occurred in the 1970s and 1980s.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Fr. Vincent Feehan

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Died: 04/19/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Feehan was one of four priests accused of abuse of a boy. A civil suit settled and was dismissed in 1991. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. It notes allegation received in 1987 of abuse in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and that Feehan then went on leave. He died in 2010.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Luis J. Fernandez

Order: CFC
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Reportedly in 10/2020, a man reported to the archdiocese in 2007 that he was abused in the mid-1970s as a St. John Vianney Prep student by Fernandez and Rev. Robert Cooper. The archdiocese offered to pay for the man's therapy. A second accuser came forward in 2020 with allegations of abuse by Fernandez in the 1980s. The archdiocese deemed the allegations credible. Fernandez left New Orleans in 1978 to be a military chaplain, returning to parish work in 1985. He retired in 2003 in Miami FL, where he was still living in 10/2020.

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Fr. Charles A. Findon

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Ordained: 1974
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused along with several other priests of making sexual advances towards a a 13-year-old altar boy and showing him pornographic films. A civil suit filed in 1987 was settled and dismissed in 1991. (Name misspelled Finden in some news reports.)

Sources:

UPI 12.19.87

Fr. Bryan James Fontenot

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Order: OP
Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. It notes he was removed from ministry by the archdiocese in 2002 for alleged abuse occurring elsewhere. Included on the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019, which notes multiple allegations received in 4/1984, of abuse in 1983 while assigned to St. Joseph's in Ponchatoula, LA. Removed by the diocese in 1984 and sent to his Order for supervision.

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Fr. Jonathan W. Franklin

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1956
Status: Charged

Died: 08/1/1986
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for Savannah diocese. Multiple allegations of abuse over three decades. Worked in New Orleans and Alexandria LA, Savannah and Atlanta GA, Pensacola FL, Cullman AL. Included on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018, which note an allegation received in 1959 of recent abuse; removed from ministry in the archdiocese. Accused of abuse in LA in 1966; settlement in 2005. Moved to St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL in 1975. Accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in 1985 when temporarily assigned to St. Anne's in Pensacola, FL. Criminally charged. Franklin died by suicide 8/1/1986, just before trial was to begin. On Birmingham AL diocese's list 12/14/2018. On Alexandria, LA list 2/6/2019. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. On Pensacola-Tallahassee list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Michael B. Fraser

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 1998 lawsuit of molesting a 17-year-old boy in Pearl River in 1991. Fraser (at times spelled Frazier) denied the allegations and was allowed to remain in ministry. Suit settled in 2004. Placed on leave in 2004 after an allegation of sexual abuse of a child in the mid-1980s at Sts. Peter and Paul in Pearl River. Also accused of molesting a boy while assigned to St. Raphael the Archangel in about 1983. Credible, per Review Board. Settlement(s) in 2009. Church trial ordered. Fraser sued the archdiocese in 1/2005. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Lawsuit in 8/2019 claimed abuse over 10 years beginning 1982 of an altar boy, age 10 or 11. Another suit alleged abuse in the late 1970s by Fraser and Rev. Paul Calamari. Died in 2019.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Br. Robert Gandara

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Order: FSC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Per his personnel file, Gandara was accused in 1989 of performing sexual acts on a 16-year-old boy who was a student at St. Paul's School in Covington. Suit filed in 1989. Police filed charges. Pleaded no contest. Spent nine months in jail and was placed on probation until 1995. Left the order in 3/1994. Worked at some point in Galveston TX as a teacher at Kirwin High School. Accused, along with Bro. Richard Langenstein, in a lawsuit filed 8/7/2020, of molesting a boy in the 1980s. The boy was a student at La Salle High School.

Sources:

NOLA com 09.18.20

Deacon Lloyd Glapion

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Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

The archdiocese announced a settlement in 12/2018 of a lawsuit file in 2015 which claimed Glapion and Fr. Kenneth Hamilton SVD sexually abused a boy at St. Augustine's in Treme in the 1980s. Both men denied wrongdoing. Glapion retired in 1999.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans Revised List 12.08.20

Sources:

New Orleans Advocate 12.20.18

Fr. Thomas Gaspard Glasgow

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From the West Indies. First named publicly as accused on archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation to the diocese in 2007 of abuse in the late 1970s. Removed from ministry 2008.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Br. Justin Guarise

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Order: SDB
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Professed vows as a Salesian brother in 1954. Worked in LA and NJ. Withdrew in 1963 from the Salesians. The New Orleans archdiocese reportedly received allegations against Guarise in 2010. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

Salesians List 03.31.20

Sources:

Sr. Alvin Marie Hagan

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Died: 10/10/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 9/2019 lawsuit, along with Msgr. Raymond Hebert, Srs. Martin Marie, Gertrude Marie (Sr. Alvin Marie's twin), and lay worker Charlie Earhart, of physically and sexually abusing a boy over 10 years, beginning in 1965, at Madonna Manor, a home for "troubled" children. She had also been named with Earhart and the other nuns in suits settled for $5.2M in 2009. Per the 9/2019 suit, Sr. Alvin Marie fondled him in the shower, when drying him off. She died 10/10/2007. Accused in a 3/2022 lawsuit, along with Fr. Sean L. Rooney SDB, of abuse of a teenage boy at Hope Haven in the 1970s.

Sources:

Sr. Gertrude Marie Hagan

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Died: 09/27/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious (including her twin, Sr. Alvin Marie) accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children. At least one claim was included in an almost $5.2M settlement with the Archdiocese in Fall, 2009. Accused in a 9/2019 lawsuit, along with two other nuns, a priest and a lay employee of Madonna Manor, of abuse of a boy at the facility over 10 years, beginning in 1965.

Sources:

Fr. Kenneth Hamilton

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

The archdiocese announced a settlement in 12/2018 of a lawsuit filed in 2015 which claimed that Hamilton and Deacon Lloyd Glapion sexually abused a boy at St. Augustine's in Treme in the 1980s. Both men denied wrongdoing. Listed in 1/2019 as on staff at St. Columba's in Oakland CA.

Sources:

New Orleans Advocate 12.20.18

Fr. Paul S. Hart

Ordained: 1989
Status: Accused

Died: 10/30/2022
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

In 2012 a woman reported to the archdiocese that when she was a 17-year-old high school student in 1990 Hart sexually abused her. She was a participant in the CYO at St. Ann's in Metarie, where Hart was assigned. The archdiocesan review board determined that Hart had abused the girl. Because canon law at the time stated that adulthood was at age 16, Archbishop Aymond told the Vatican that Hart had not abused a minor. Hart was allowed to remain in active ministry. In 1/2022 he stepped down from his job as chaplain of Brother Martin High School after the school learned of the earlier allegation. Hart and the archdiocese reportedly said his retirement was due to health issues. Further, Hart said that he had never been accused of misconduct with anyone under age 18. Hart died in 10/2022.

Sources:

Fr. Raymond P. Hebert

Ordained: 1952
Status: Settled

Died: 01/16/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. Sued in 2005 by four men claiming abuse as boys by Hebert at Madonna Manor. The Archdiocese said it was mistaken identity. Hebert denied abuse and sued the four accusers for defamation. He was retired; remained in ministry. By 3/2010 all claims were dismissed; one plaintiff had died, one was deemed too emotionally disabled to continue and the last two claims had been withdrawn by the plaintiffs. Hebert withdrew his counter-suit after attorneys for the accusers filed an acknowledgment in court that Hebert did not molest their clients when they were children at Madonna Manor. He died 1/16/2014. A suit filed in 9/2019 alleged abuse of a boy by Hebert, three nuns and a lay employee in the 1960s-1970s at Madonna Manor. It settled for $325K in 1/2020.

Sources:

Fr. Lawrence Hecker

Ordained: 1958
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor, a title given in 2000, after Archdiocese knew of abuse. First named publicly as accused on the Archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. It notes an allegation received in 1996 of abuse in the late 1960s and the 1970s. Had been confronted in 1988 by Archbishop Hannan about an allegation he had abused a boy. Confessed to his superiors in 1999 to the sexual abuse of seven teenagers 1966-1979. A victim had come forward weeks after Hecker was made monsignor. Sent to treatment, diagnosed as a pedophile. Also found to have sexually abused an adult male with a mental disability. Kept in ministry until he was allowed to quietly retire in 2002. The Review Board recommended Hecker be monitored; in 2020 Hecker said he was unaware of any monitoring. Accused in a 4/2019 lawsuit of fondling a group of boys at St. Joseph's in Gretna in 1968. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. Per attorneys, Hecker was a serial pedophile who abused "countless" children, and the archdiocese knew for decades. One man alleged he was "choked out and raped" by Hecker as a child. The church acknowledged in 3/2020 that there had been settlements in four cases involving Hecker, and of a first report in 1988. Subject of an FBI investigation in 2022. Archdiocesan files regarding Hecker were given in 6/2023 to the New Orleans district attorney. Admitted to a news reporter in 8/2023 that he committed "overtly sexual acts" with at least three boys in the late 1960s and 1970s and to having close relationships with four others into the 1980s. Criminally charged 9/7/2023 with the rape and kidnapping of a teenager decades prior. Pleaded not guilty 9/13/2023. Trial set for 3/25/2024 postponed pending a mental competency evaluation of Hecker, who was age 92. Determined in 4/2024 not competent to stand trial due to short-term memory loss, but mental health such that he could improve and stand trial later. On 4/25/24 LA State Police executed a search warrant on the Archdiocese for documents related to clergy sexual abuse. New competency evaluation in 5/2024, not to be reviewed until 7/11/2024. Trial date set for 9/24/2024, pending further evaluation. Found competent to stand trial on 9/5/2024. On 9/24/2024 the judge recused himself and Hecker was sent to the hospital for a urinary tract infection. Trial scheduled for 12/3/2024. Hecker pleaded guilty on 12/3/2024. Sentencing was scheduled for 12/18/24.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Luis E. Henao

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Ordained: 1974
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

From Colombia. Placed on leave in 5/2002 after a review of personnel files revealed allegations that he engaged in sex with a minor in 1981. Returned to ministry in 11/2002 after the Diocesan Review Board determined it could not substantiate the allegations. Reportedly in 8/2023, Henao has dementia and is living in Colombia.

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Fr. Henry Brian Highfill

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 01/23/2022
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

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.

Sources:

Fr. Gerald Hindman

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Order: OSB
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 04/28/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the St Joseph Abbey Benedictines on its list in 11/2018. It notes an allegation in 2004 of abuse of a minor in the early 1960s. Assigned to the Abbey, the Metropolitan Tribunal of New Orleans, and chaplain at St. Paul's High School. Hindman died 4/28/1999.

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Fr. Howard Hotard

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 07/12/2013
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. It notes allegation received in 1995 of abuse in the early 1980s. Pastor for 32 years of Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell. Monsignor. Removed from ministry 2002. Died 7/12/2013.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Gerard Joseph Howell

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

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.

Assignments:

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Fr. Michael F. Hurley

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 08/3/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. It notes allegation received in 1945 of abuse in the 1940s, and that he left the archdiocese in 1955. Died 8/3/2005 in Clarkdale AZ, where he had been pastor of St. Cecilia Mission Church. Per his obit, Hurley went from New Orleans to St. Leo's in Chicago until 1961, then to parishes Tucson AZ 1961-1963, Phoenix 1963-1969, Tempe 1969-1971, Bullhead City 1971-1974, Sun City 1974-1976, then Clarkdale 1976-2002, when he retired. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

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Fr. Salvatore “Sam” Isgro

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 11/18/1990
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Teacher, guidance counselor; provincial of the Salesian's Eastern Province 1973-1979. Died in 1990. Accused in a 12/2018 lawsuit of raping a 17-year-old boy after rendering him dizzy and disoriented, possibly with chloroform, in 1979. The plaintiff said he met the priest at a hospital where he was working to earn money for a class ring. He said he informed Bishop Aymond in 9/2018, who said he believed him and put him in touch with a Salesian official, Fr. Stephen Ryan. Ryan and his attorney allegedly told the man "to keep the entire issue quiet" and had him sign an agreement for psychiatric treatment, which they would fund.

Sources:

Fr. Patrick Keane

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A man told church authorities in 1994 of repeated abuse when he was a teenager in the early 1980s by Keane in a Metairie rectory. Keane was sent for treatment; left the priesthood. The Archdiocese did not apologize or notify parishes. Keane admitted the abuse in a sworn deposition in 1999. Settlement in 2003. Included on the Archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Noted to have been removed from ministry in 1995, after a report in 1994 of abuse in the 1980s.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Sources:

Fr. James Kilgour

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Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 1987 lawsuit of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy 1980-1981. The suit claimed Kilgour continued to make sexual advances on the boy through 1987. Kilgour was the boy's teacher and counselor at Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville. Kilgour was placed on leave in 1987. The suit settled and was dismissed in 4/1991. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Per its updated list in 2022, Kilgour died in 2021.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. August Kita

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 06/12/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

At least one claim included in almost $5.2M settlement with the New Orleans archdiocese in Fall, 2009. Kita died in 2008. On New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received 2006 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY, MA, Tampa, NJ. Included on the Salesians' list in 3/2020 of credibly accused.

Assignments:

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Fr. Wesley Michael Landry

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Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. Landry admitted to the Archdiocese in 1993 that he had had a sexual relationship for decades with a man. The man claims that Landry 'seduced' him when he was an 11- or 12-year-old altar boy at Incarnate Word Church in New Orleans in the 1950s and continued the relationship for over 45 years. Landry gave him money for sex, amounting to $80,000-$100,000 over the years. The Archdiocese gave the man $7,000 for a release and Landry "retired." Landry died in 2002. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Br. Richard J. Langenstein

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Order: FSC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A retired Christian Brother and former high school teacher, counselor, principal and college vice president when accused in 1997 of abuse of a 15-year-old boy. The boy was a student at Covington High School, where Langenstein was a volunteer substitute teacher. Civil suit filed in 1998. Pleaded no contest in 2000 to a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Given a three years suspended sentence and five years probation. Reportedly died in 2003, at age 68. Accused, along with Br. Robert Gandara, in a suit filed 8/7/2020 of molesting a De La Salle High School student for two years in the 1980s.

Sources:

Fr. Ralph V. Lawrence

Ordained: 1916
Status: Accused

Died: 05/30/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018, which notes an allegation received in 1935 of abuse in the early 1930s. Went on leave of absence in 1935. Died in 1992. Included on the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Francis William LeBlanc

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Ordained: 1962
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/13/2009
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

LeBlanc reportedly left the priesthood in 1967. Became a New Orleans police officer. Retired after 20 years. Pleaded guilty in 5/1996 to molesting three girls, ages 7-10, from 3/1/1994 to 8/16/1995. Sentenced to 90-days in jail and 5 years probation. Died 11/13/2009.

Sources:

Fr. Louis LeBourgeois

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 07/1/2015
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. Per news in 11/2018, a woman reported to law enforcement that LeBourgeois sexually abused her when she was four years old in 1968. She said he picked her up at her River Ridge preschool and abused her in his car. Law enforcement reportedly told her the statute of limitations had expired. In 2014 she told the Los Angeles Archdiocese, where she was then living, who referred the case to New Orleans. The New Orleans Archdiocese confronted LeBourgeois, who denied the abuse. He went into a coma and died three months later. The Review Board had not yet seen the case.The Archdiocese paid for the woman's therapy, but did not include LeBourgeois on its 11/2/2018 list of credibly accused clergy. She filed suit in 8/2019.

Sources:

Deacon James C. Lockwood

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Ordained: 1974
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 1974. First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation noted to have been received in 1978 of abuse in the late 1970s. Removed from ministry in 1978. Included on the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. Had worked as a lay teacher for five months at St. Aloysius School in Baton Rouge. Per news articles in 8/1978, Lockwood was arrested on charges related to allegations that he had molested two boys, who were residents of Burton Memorial Boys Home, and several other youths in his neighborhood. Lockwood was a psychiatric social worker.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. James D. Loeffler

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 03/22/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province 2/27/2020, which notes multiple allegations of abuse occurring in the 1950s and 1960s. Worked in Miami, FL; West Palm Beach, FL; El Paso, TX; Albuquerque, NM; San Antonio, TX; Augusta, GA; Grand Coteau, LA; Key West, FL. Died in 1984.

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Sources:

Br. Samuel F. Martinez

Order: FSC
Status: Settled

Died: 01/30/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

A 3/2003 lawsuit claimed abuse of a boy at Cathedral High in El Paso 1983-1985. At least 10 men alleged abuse as boys by Martinez while he was principal of the school 1976-1985. Others alleged abuse in New Orleans in the 1970s, prior to El Paso. The suit settled in 7/2004. One of the additional plaintiffs filed suit in 5/2004. Martinez was working in Santa Fe NM when the suit was filed. Retired. Two men settled a suit in 1/2012 for $1.6M. New suit in 3/2012, another in 4/2012. Living in Lafayette, LA in 9/2014 and allowed (under safety plan) to travel to Holy Family Community on the campus of John Paul The Great Academy on weekends for religious exercises. Visits stopped after publicity. Died in 2016. Included on the El Paso diocese's list 1/31/2019.

Sources:

Fr. Andrew (Dorfmeister) Masters

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 03/19/2008
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 1993. Died in 2008, at age 98. Included on the Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province list of credibly accused, as Rev. Andrew (Dorfmeister) Masters. Included on the Archdiocese of Chicago's list 5/4/2023. Abuse occurred in Chicago in the 1950s and in Louisiana in the 1970s. Assigned in WI, IL, Rome, England, South Africa, Ireland and the Southern U.S. Province. Included on the Southern Province's list. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Divine Word Missionaries Assignments

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Fr. Naos McCool

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Irish priest who spent time in New Orleans and Pittsburgh over the years. Assisted in the 1970s in the summers at Our Lady of Guadalupe and International Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans, and as New Orleans police chaplain. Returned often to preside at weddings through 2011. Assistant dean for students of the Duquesne University school of education in Pittsburgh 2001-2015. Chaplain for Vincentian Academy (High School) near Pittsburgh. Accused, along with three other men, of repeatedly sexually abusing a boy at an Irish Boarding school in the 1970s. Allegedly began abusing the boy, then age 14, who had come to him to report abuse by the others. McCool was the school's dean of studies. Reportedly would beat the boy with a wooden stick then sexually assault him. McCool's accuser received a settlement from the Spiritans in Ireland after coming forward in 2018. In 10/2023 McCool was living as a nursing home resident in Ireland.

Sources:

The Guardian 10.06.23

Fr. William A. Miller

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Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1922
Status: Accused

Died: 08/13/1972
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 1946 of abuse in the late 1940s. Died in 1972.

Sources:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Rev. William J. O’Donnell

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Ordained for the Maryknoll order. Worked in Guatemala for four years. Air Force chaplain. Left the Maryknolls and became a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where he worked in parishes and as a Metropolitan Tribunal judge. Retired in 2009. Accused in 2016 of raping two adolescent boys over a two-year period. (Time-period unclear.) The Archdiocesan Review Board deemed the allegations credible and the victims received settlements of $125K and $100K. Archbishop Aymond, however, said the allegations had "no semblance of truth" and did not add him to the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused. In 2018 another allegation was received, that O'Donnell spanked teenagers.

Sources:

Br. Claude L. Ory

Order: SJ
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Worked at Jesuit High in New Orleans in the 1970s. Accused in 2007 lawsuit of repeated molestation of a Jesuit High student 1974-1977, beginning when the boy was age 14. Settled. Accused repeatedly of abuse while assigned to Jesuit High School in Dallas; removed 1994. Moved in 1995 to Mobile, AL. In 2000 moved to Baltimore's Loyola College campus, where he was in charge of managing the Jesuits' residence hall until 2007. In 9/2018 may be living in at a Jesuit residence in Baltimore. On the Jesuits' Central and Southern list 12/7/2018. On Maryland Province Jesuits list 12/17/2018. Added to Baltimore archdiocese's list in 2/2019. Mentioned in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

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Fr. Joseph Pankowski

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 05/21/1981
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2006 of abuse in the 1940s and 1950s. Worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Also worked in NY and NJ. Died in 1981. Included in 3/2020 on the Salesians' list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

Salesians List 03.31.20

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Fr. J. Donald Pearce

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 05/7/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 2003 of abuse in the 1960s. Jesuit High School Spanish teacher 1960-1961, prefect of discipline 1961-1965, president 1965-1968. Died 5/7/2016. Included on the Jesuits' Central and Southern Province list 12/7/2018. Multiple allegations.

Assignments:

Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

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Fr. Alfred Pimple

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 10/27/1983
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 1959 of abuse in the late 1950s. Added 10/15/2020 to the Diocese of Wichita's list, where he worked 1969-1970 and 1973-1983. Included in 6/2022 on the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans list of those with substantiated allegations against them. Pimple died 10/27/1983.

Assignments:

Diocese of Wichita Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Gorham Joseph Putnam

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 03/30/1993
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation noted to have been received in 2002 of abuse in the early 1950s. Putnam died in 1993.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Sources:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Fr. Samuel H. Ray

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1925
Status: Accused

Died: 11/22/1983
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits' Central and Southern Province on its list 12/17/2021. Noted to have more than one allegation against him. Abuse estimated to have occurred in the 1940s and 1950s. Ray died in 1983. Included in 6/2022 on the New Orleans archdiocese's list, where he was assigned at some point; no known abuse there.

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Br. Stanley Repucci

Order: CSC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Accused in a 7/21 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, age 10 or 11, in 1968 or 1969, at Holy Cross School summer camp in New Orleans. Repucci is deceased.

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Fr. Elmo J. Rogero

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 08/17/1959
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/2018. Died in 1959. Allegation received after his death of abuse in the 1950s. Worked in New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL.

Assignments:

Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

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Fr. Patrick Sanders

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse when placed on leave in 2004. Two men had come forward to allege that Sanders abused them on a trip to Biloxi Mississippi in 1993, when they were age 16. Placed on permanent leave in 4/2005. The Vatican ordered an administrative hearing for Sanders. Sanders was not technically charged with abuse of a minor because church law at the time defined minors as those under 16. Became an attorney. Arrested in 2014 for heroin possession; charges dropped when he agreed to enter a drug abuse diversion program. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Surrendered his law license in 2021 after he was discovered to have lied on his bar exam applications regarding his past.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. John C. Sax

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sax was archdiocesan director of priest personnel 1991-1999. Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2000 after an allegation. Admitted that he molested an altar boy on numerous occasions 1980-1985 at St. Peter's in Reserve, beginning when the boy was age 10. A lawsuit was filed in 5/2001 but it was not served until 2002. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018, which notes that Sax was removed from ministry in 2004.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. John Seery

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Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. It noted an allegation received in 1978 of abuse in the late 1970s, and that Seery left the United States in 1978 and died in 2011.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Sources:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Sister Ladet

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Order: SSND
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children.

Sources:

Times-Picayne 08.25.05

Sister Laurdette

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Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children. At least one claim included in almost $5.2M settlement with the Archdiocese in Fall 2009.

Sources:

Sister Marie Claudine

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Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Settled. Accused of abuse.

Sister Martin Marie

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Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for children. A man claimed that she beat him as a boy when he tried to tell her about rape by Gilbert Gauthe when Gauthe was a seminarian. Accused in a 9/2019 lawsuit along with two other nuns, a priest and a lay employee of Madonna Manor, of abuse of a boy at the facility for over 10 years, beginning in 1965. Settled for $325K in 1/2020.

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Sister Mary Omer Obermark

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Died: 03/21/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children. At least one claim was included in an almost $5.2M settlement with the Archdiocese in Fall 2009. In references to the settlement, she is referred to as Mother Superior Mary Omer. She died in 1992.

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Sister Stephen Rose

Donate Photo

Order: SSND
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children.

Sources:

Times-Picayune 08.25.05

Fr. Joseph P. Sokol

Donate Photo

Order: SDB
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 03/30/1970
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on its list 2/14/2020. (The archdiocese had initially named Alfred Sokol, SDB, which was a mistake.) Allegation received in 2010 of abuse in the 1940s. Sokol worked at Hope Haven in Marrero. Per the Salesian order on its list in 3/2020, Sokol also worked in NJ, and left the order in 1957. He died in 1970.

Assignments:

Salesians List 03.31.20

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Fr. Malcolm Strassel

Ordained: 1934
Status: Settled

Died: 05/3/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Monsignor. First publicly named as accused in 9/2018. Died 5/3/1987. Accused in a lawsuit settled in 2009 of fondling a boy while assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes In Uptown New Orleans 1969-1971. Plaintiff's attorney said the statute of limitations had not lapsed, but the church worked to conceal the abuse for years. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018, which notes an allegation received in 2006. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Fr. Anthony G. Tassin

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 07/26/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Named publicly as accused on the St. Joseph Abbey Benedictines' list in 11/2018. It notes an allegation received in 2006 of abuse of a minor in the early 1960s. Further, Tassin left the monastery in 1969 and was dispensed from the priesthood in 1971. Married. Died in Arizona 7/26/2012.

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Fr. Roger Temme

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/16/2018. Allegation noted to have been received in 1995, of abuse in the late 1970s. Worked at Ave Maria Retreat House in Lafitte, and at Our Lady of Guadalupe in New Orleans. Left the priesthood and went on to work for non-profit organizations in Austin, TX.

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Fr. John Thomann

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/2018. Allegation received in 1966 of abuse in the 1960s. Removed from ministry 1967. Died in 1989.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

Fr. Patrick Wattigny

Ordained: 1994
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Full name Brian Patrick Wattigny. Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell, since 2013, when he told archdiocesan officials on 10/1/2020 that he sexually abused a minor in 2013. Removed from assignment, law enforcement notified. About four months prior Wattigny resigned from Pope JP II High School, where he was chaplain, after sending a male student inappropriate texts. Sent for a psych evaluation. Other assignments included chaplain at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie for over ten years until 5/2013, and pastor of St. Benilde in Metairie 2000-2013. Arrested in Georgia later in 10/2020. Added to the archdiocese's list in 12/2020. Charged in 3/2021 with molesting a boy, age 15, 6/1/2013-8/31/2014. Pleaded not guilty. Subject of FBI investigation in 2022. Arrested again in 10/2022 for the abuse of a 9-year-old boy in the mid-1990s. Pleaded guilty in 7/2023 to molesting both boys. Sentenced to five years in prison and five years' probation. Required to register as a sex offender.

Fr. John Anthony Weber

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 02/22/2000
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Allegation of abuse received in 2005 of abuse in the 1940s. Incardinated into the Baton Rouge diocese when it was formed in 1961. Retired in 1995. Died in 2000. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. It notes an allegation received in 3/1996 of abuse in 1956, while assigned to Assumption of the BVM in Plattenville. A lawsuit filed in 3/2022 claims of abuse of a boy 1975-1976, beginning when the boy was age 13, at St. Charles Borromeo in Baton Rouge.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of New Orleans list 11.02.18

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Deacon Virgil Maxey Wheeler

Ordained: 2018
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 04/6/2023
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

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.

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Fr. Benjamin L. Wren

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Died: 07/20/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans LA

Taught at Jesuit high schools in TX and New Orleans LA before a 35-year career as an Asian History and Zen teacher at Loyola University in New Orleans. Left the priesthood to marry in 1996. Died in 2006. Accused in a 9/2016 lawsuit of sexually assaulting and raping a girl on campus hundreds of times 1978-1985, beginning when the girl was age 5. Her grandmother worked at the University. Wren's accuser said he told her that if she told their "special secret" she and her family would die and go to hell. Settlement announced in 7/2018. Included on the archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. On the Jesuits' Central and Southern Province list of credibly accused 12/7/2018.

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