Archdiocese of New Orleans ACCUSED PRIESTS
The prevalence of child sexual abuse within the dioceses throughout the world has recently come to light. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is no exception to receiving claims of child sex abuse against its clergy members. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is comprised of the parishes of Jefferson (except Grand Isle), Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and Washington. It is the second oldest archdiocese in the United States. Â
In 2020, the archdiocese listed clergy who the church deemed had been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors. The list of named priests includes priests who were accused of misconduct within the archdiocese and some priests who were accused of sexual misconduct in other dioceses. Most of the listed clergy are deceased.
The archdiocese list includes the following clergy: George Brignac, Paul Calamari, Michael Farino, Michael Fraser, Llod Glapion, Thomas Gaspard Glasgow, Lawrence Galpion, Thomas Gaspard Glasgow, Lawrence Hecker, Henry Brian Highfill, Gerard Howell, Patrick Keane, James Kilgour, Gerard Kinane, James Lockwood, Gerald Prinz, Patrick Sanders, John Sax, Patrick Wattigny, John Basty, James Benedict, Pierre Celestin Cambiaire, Dino Cinel, Robert Cooper, Carl Davidson, Vincent Feehan, John Franklin, Howard Hotard, Michael Hurley, James Kircher, Wesley Michael Landry, Ralph Lawrence, Gorham Joseph Putnam, Bernard Schmaltz, John Seery, Malcolm Strassel, John Thomann, John Weber, Paul Avallone, Claude Boudreaux, Patrick Brady, Cornelius Carr, Stanislaus Ceglar, James Collery, Paul Csik, Lawrence Dark, Frank Davied, Jerome Ducote, Anthony Esposito, Ernest Fagione, Justin Faler, August Kita, Andrew Masters, William Miller, Joseph Pankowski, Donald Pearce, Alfred Pimple, Joseph Sokol, Roger Temme, Benjamin Wren, Charles Coyle, Bryan Fontenot, Bernard Knoth, Joseph Pellettieri, Richard Nowery, Ray Chappa, Barry (Finbar) Coyle, Joachim Lux, Richard J. McCormick, Archibald McDowell, Carter Partee, Juvenal Pfalzer, Robert Poandl, Christopher Springer, and Randolph Thompson.Â
In May 2020, the archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In September 2020, the bankruptcy court imposed a deadline of March 1, 2021, for anyone who was sexually abused before the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy to bring a claim for monetary compensation against the church. Before the deadline ran, about 400 people who claimed they were victims of clergy abuse went to bankruptcy court to seek compensation from the archdiocese.Â
In December 2020, allegations of child sexual abuse were made against Joseph M. deWater, who in the 1970s served as the archdiocese’s spiritual director for the Girl Scouts who were from Roman Catholic families. He was known as a beloved priest, and his name was even on the side of a New Orleans East parish gymnasium. He served in the parish for 15 years before he retired and moved to the Netherlands. The archdiocese did not disclose any details about the alleged abuse by deWater.
In a recent story involving child sexual abuse, in July 2021, a personal injury attorney who had formerly served as a priest in New Orleans was forced to surrender his law license because he lied about his past history of sexually abusing children while serving as a priest. Records from the Louisiana Supreme Court, which handles attorney disciplinary actions, show that Patrick Sanders failed to disclose on his bar application that he had been stripped of his position as a priest in New Orleans. He was stripped of this position after being accused of sexually molesting two teenage boys on a church trip in 1993. Sanders was serving as assistant pastor at Resurrection of Our Lord in New Orleans East when the abuse allegedly occurred.Â
Unfortunately, many instances of child sexual abuse go unreported. This means that the list that the Archdiocese of New Orleans is likely non-exhaustive, and many other clergy members may have abused children. If you or someone you love experienced sex abuse at the Diocese of New Orleans, you do not have to go through the difficult healing process alone. Whether the abuse happened recently or decades ago, you are entitled to seek justice. Contact the experienced lawyers at Herman Law today for a free consultation.Â
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 years as a priest was celebrated by the archdiocese in 2017. On 3/28/19, 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. Named added in 1/29/20 to the Baton Rouge diocese’s list.
Pastor of St. Peter Claver in Treme LA when accused in a lawsuit filed in 1/21 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.
First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Received allegation from Salesians in 2011 of abuse in the archdiocese late 1950s, early 1960s. Died 7/31/08 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.
First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Allegation noted to have been received in 1946, of abuse in the 1940s. Basty died in 1956.
First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. It noted allegation was received in 2003 of abuse in the late 1950s. Benedict died in 1984.
Monsignor. Former superintendent of archdiocesan schools. In 8/19 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.
Ordained:
Status: Accused
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
Jesuit brother. Died in 1986. Named publicly by the Central and Southern Province Jesuits in 2/27/20 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.
Ordained:
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
The Salesians reportedly received allegations in 2010 against Botto. In 3/20 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. Botto made his profession as a Salesian brother in 1932. He worked at schools in Marrero, LA, Boston MA, Tampa FL, Paterson NJ, Miami FL. He died in 2000.
Boudreaux, an 80-year-old teacher at Jesuit High, was placed on leave in 1/05 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 8/5/16. On the Jesuits’ Central and Southern list 12/7/18. On Houma-Thibodaux diocese’s list 1/11/19, his home diocese, where he had “offered weekend assistance.”
First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Allegation received in 2002 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in 2019. One known allegation, received in 2/94, of abuse 1961-63 while at Holy Ghost in Hammond. Left Baton Rouge 1964. Brady died in 1999.
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 deacon in 1976. Assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary 1976. Worked 1984-88 at Cabrini High; a woman alleged he groped her as a student in 1984. Charged with sexual misconduct with juveniles in 1977; acquitted. Arrested 1980 and ’88. No charges. Removed from ministry 1988. Settlement 5/18 of claims of abuse of a boy, age 8, over 3 years, beginning 1979. Outcry in 2018 when found Brignac was a Metarie parish lector. Also, access to children via the Knights of Columbus. New suit 10/18 claimed abuse 1977-82 of a Holy Rosary altar boy, ages 8-13. On archdiocese’s list 11/02/18. Suit filed 12/18; settled 3/19. Arrested in 9/19, charged with first-degree rape. Pled not guilty 12/13/19. Died awaiting trial 6/29/20. Settlements with at least 17 men who claimed abuse as boys by Brignac.
Ordained:
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
Accused in a lawsuit in 11/18 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.
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.
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 11/16/06. Began working in 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. Wilmington diocese released personnel files 2/12. Name included on on New Orleans archdiocese list 11/02/18. Taken off archdiocesan payroll as ordered by judge in bankruptcy in 5/20. Medical benefits reinstated by same judge after Calamari complained. Accused along with Rev. Michael Fraser in a 6/19 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 1975-82 by Calamari, who was the man’s father’s cousin.
First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. 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 1955. On 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.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. 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 3/20 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.
Accused, along with three other priests, in a 12/87 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 5/13/08.
Historian and teacher at Tulane, living at St. Rita’s in 1988 when fellow priest found him with child porn and tapes he made of himself having sex with teen 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 in criminal trial 8/95 on a technicality. 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 inl 2010, divorced in 2015. One civil suit settled. In 2011 he surfaced in Italy, claiming sexual abuse as a child and petitioning the Vatican for justice. Murdered 2/1/18 in Medellin, Colombia by an 18-year-old male who said he was Cinel’s lover. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18.
From Ireland. First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. It notes an allegation received in 2013 of abuse in the early 1980s. Collery died in 1987. Lawsuit filed in 4/20 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 4/20 lawsuit.
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, 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 10/11/89. Added in 12/20 to the archdiocese’s list.
Ordained:
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â 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 2/25/11 in New Orleans, where he had lived since 2000.
First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. 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 3/20 of credibly accused.
Named publicly as accused by his order on its list 6/12/19. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in the 1960s-70s in Louisiana. Dark died in 1984. Allegations received after his death, in 1994 and 2008. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese’s list in 6/19. Added to the Baton Rouge diocese’s list 1/29/20. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese’s list in 2020.
In 3/04 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.” On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18, which noted allegation received in 1989 of abuse in the early 1980s. Davidson died in 2007. Settlement in 8/19 for $150K plus $10K for counseling with a man claiming abuse by Davidson when he was a teen in the mid-1980s, during sleepovers at Notre Dame Seminary.
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 10/20 Davied was no longer a Franciscan and was living in Pueblo, CO. He denied the allegation. On the Las Cruces diocese’s list in 11/20, where he worked 1993-95. Added to the New Orleans archdiocese’s list in 12/20.
Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/18. 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
Parish priest, spiritual director for the Catholic Girl Scouts through the 1970s. Living in the Netherlands in retirement when suspended in 12/20 by Bishop Aymond, pending investigation of an allegation of abuse in the mid-1970s of an altar boy. In a 1/21 interview deWater denied wrongdoing and said the alleged victim should not “dwell on things when he was a young boy.”
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 11/10 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 12/7/18. Accused in suit filed 3/19 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 11/20.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation received 2002 of abuse in the early 1960s. Ducote died in 2006. Included on the St. Joseph Abbey Benedictines list in 11/18. It notes that Ducote left the monastery in 1969 and was dispensed from the priesthood in 1970.
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. 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 1/31/19 as George B. Dyer, O.P. On Richmond diocese’s list 2/13/19. Noted to have been “dismissed.”
First named publicly as abused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. 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 3/20. Laicized in 1973. Died in 1987.
Fagione or Faggione. Died 6/14/06. At least one claim included in almost $5.2M settlement with New Orleans archdiocese in Fall 2009. Included on archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. 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 3/20.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation received 2002 of abuse in the late 1950s. Died in 1979. Included on the St Joseph Abbey Benedictines list also in 11/18. It notes that he was alleged to have abused two minors in the late 1950s, reported in 2002 and 2006.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Removed from ministry in 1990 after an allegation. Abuse allegedly occurred in the 1970s and 1980s.
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 11/2/18. It notes allegation of received in 1987 of abuse in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and that Feehan then went on leave. He died in 2010
Reportedly in 10/20, 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. Fernandez left New Orleans in 1978 to be a military chaplain, returning to parish work in 1985. Retired in 2003 in Miami FL, where he was still living in 10/20.
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.)
Named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. It notes he was removed from ministry by the archdiocese in 2002 for alleged abuse occurring elsewhere. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019. Multiple allegations received in 4/84 of abuse in 1983, while assigned to St. Joseph’s in Ponchatoula, LA. Removed by diocese in 1984, sent to Order for supervision in 1984.
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. On New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. It noted 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. Franklin died by suicide 8/1/86, just before trial was to begin. On Birmingham AL diocese’s list 12/14/18. On Alexandria, LA list 2/6/19. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019. On Pensacola-Tallahassee list of credibly accused.
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 1/05. On the archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Lawsuit in 8/19 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.
Â
Order:Â FSC
Status:Â Convicted
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
Per personnel file, accused in 1989 of performing homosexual 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 9 months in jail and was placed on probation until 1995. Left the order in 3/94. Worked at some point in Galveston TX as a teacher at Kirwin High School. Accused, along with Bro. Richard Langenstein, in a lawsuit filed 8/7/20 of molesting a boy in the 1980s. The boy was a student at La Salle High School.
Accordion Content
Status:Â Settled
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
The archdiocese announced a settlement in 12/18 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.
First named publicly as accused on archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation to diocese in 2007 of abuse in late 1970s. Removed from ministry 2008.
.
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â 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 3/20 on the Salesians list of credibly accused.
Accused in a 9/19 lawsuit, along with Msgr. Raymond Hebert, Srs. Martin Marie, Gertrude Marie 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 9/19 suit, Sr. Alvin Marie fondled him in the shower, when drying him off. She died in 2006.
The archdiocese announced a settlement in 12/18 of a lawsuit filed in 2015 which claimed Hamilton and Deacon Lloyd Glapion sexually abused a boy at St. Augustine’s in Treme in the 1980s. Both men denied wrongdoing. Listed in 1/19 as on staff at St. Columba’s in Oakland CA.
Sued in 2005 by 4 men claiming abuse as boys by Hebert at Madonna Manor. The archdiocese said it was mistaken identity. Hebert denied abuse; sued 4 accusers for defamation. He was retired; remained in ministry. By 3/10 all claims 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 1/16/14. Suit filed in 9/19 alleging abuse of a boy by Hebert and 3 nuns and a lay employee in the 1960s-’70s at Madonna Manor. The nuns and lay employee had been accused in suits by “dozens” of plaintiffs, settled in 2009 for $5.2M.
First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. It notes an allegation received in 1996 of abuse in the late 1960s and the 1970s. Removed from ministry in 2002. Accused in a 4/19 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. The church acknowledged in 3/20 that there had been settlements in four cases involving Hecker, and said it first received an allegation in 1988.
From Colombia. Placed on leave in 5/02 after a review of personnel files revealed allegations that he engaged in sex with a minor in 1981. Returned to ministry in 11/02 after the Diocesan Review Board determined it could not substantiate the allegations.
Added to the archdiocese’s list of accused in 8/20. Removed in 2018 after allegations of abuse, occurring 1975-81. 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 8/18 family showed the cards and letters to Archbishop Aymond, but no further response. In 9/18 the family contacted the Las Vegas diocese, which investigated and found the allegations credible. The suit was filed in 2019 by a man alleging abuse as an Air Force enlistee near Alexandria, LA in the early 1980s. Added to the Las Vegas diocese’s list in 8/20.
Named publicly as accused by the St Joseph Abbey Benedictines on its list in 11/18. 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 4/28/99.
First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. 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 7/12/13.
Accused along with his brother, Fr. Rodney Howell, of molesting dozens of students at school for deaf in New Orleans in the 1970s. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. It notes allegation received 1978 of abuse in the 1960s and 1970s. Also per 11/16 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 sent to treatment in 1981. Reassigned 1982 to parish in Westwego LA. Absent on leave 1986-92. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019, noting allegation in 3/01 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 1992. Living in South Dakota monastery in 2003. Removed from ministry. Reportedly in TX in 2019. Taken off archdiocesan payroll as ordered by judge in bankruptcy in 5/20. Medical benefits reinstated by same judge after Howell complained.
First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. It notes allegation received in 1945 of abuse in the 1940s, and that he left the archdiocese in 1955. Died 8/3/05 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 1961-63, Phoenix 1963-69, Tempe 1969-71, Bullhead City 1971-74, Sun City 1974-76, then Clarkdale 1976-2002, when he retired. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019.
Accused in a 12/18 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 9/18, 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. Isgro died in 1990.
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 priesthood. Archdiocese did not apologize or notify parishes. Keane admitted the abuse in a sworn deposition in 1999. Settlement in 2003. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Noted to have been removed from ministry in 1995, after report in 1994 of abuse in the 1980s.
Accused in a 1987 lawsuit of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy 1980-1981. Suit claimed Kilgour continued to make sexual advances on youth through 1987. Kilgour was reportedly the boy’s teacher and counselor at Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville. Also accused were Revs. Vince Feehan. Kilgour was placed on leave in 1987. Suit settled and dismissed 4/91. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18.
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 11/2/18. 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 3/20 of credibly accused.
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 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. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18.
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. leaded no contest tin 2000 o 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 Bro. Robert Gandara, in a suit filed 8/7/20 of molesting a De La Salle High School student for two years in the 1980s.
First named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. It noted an allegation received in 1935 of abuse in the early 1930s. Went on leave of absence in 1935. Died in 1992. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019.
LeBlanc reportedly left the priesthood in 1967. Became a New Orleans police officer. Retired after 20 years. Pleaded guilty in 5/96 to molesting three girls, ages 7-10, from 3/1/94 to 8/16/95. Sentenced to 90-days jail and 5 years probation for molestation of three girls. LeBlanc died 11/13/09.
Per news in 11/18, 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 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 11/2/18 list of credibly accused clergy. She filed suit in 8/19.
Deacon. First named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Allegation noted to have been received in 1978 of abuse in the late 1970s. Removed from ministry in 1978. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019. Had worked as a lay teacher for five months at St. Aloysius School in Baton Rouge.
Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province 2/27/20. 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.
Named publicly as accused by the New Orleans archdiocese on its list in 12/20. It notes allegations of abuse, which did not occur in the archdiocese, were reported to the archdiocese in 2020. The list does not reveal location or time of the alleged abuse. Lux died in 2019.
A 3/03 lawsuit claimed abuse of a boy at Cathedral High in El Paso in the mid-1980s. At least 10 men alleged abuse there as boys when he was principal 1976-85. Others alleged abuse in New Orleans in the 1970s, prior to El Paso. Suit settled in 7/04. One of the additional plaintiffs filed suit in 5/04. Working in Santa Fe NM when suit filed. Retired. Two men settled a suit in 1/12 for $1.6M. New suit in 3/12, another in 4/12. Living in Lafayette, LA in 9/14 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. On El Paso diocese’s list 1/31/19.
Ordained:
Status:Â Accused
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation received 1993.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation received in 1946 of abuse in the late 1940s. Died in 1972.
Worked at Jesuit High in New Orleans in the 1970s. Accused in 2007 lawsuit of repeated molestation of a Jesuit High student 1974-77, 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 9/18 may be living in at a Jesuit residence in Baltimore. On the Jesuits’ Central and Southern list 12/7/18. On Maryland Province Jesuits list 12/17/18. Added to Baltimore archdiocese’s list in 2/19.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. 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 3/20 on the Salesians’ list of credibly accused.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation received in 2003 of abuse in the 1960s. Jesuit High School Spanish teacher 1960-61, prefect of discipline 1961-65, and president 1965-68. Died 5/7/16. On the Jesuits’ Central and Southern Province list 12/7/18. Multiple allegations.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation received in 1959 of abuse in the late 1950s. Pimple died 10/27/83.
First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Allegation noted to have been received in 2002 of abuse in the early 1950s. Putnam died in 1993.
Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province on its list 12/7/18. Died 1959. Allegation received after his death of abuse in the 1950s. Unclear as to where. Worked in New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL.
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 4/05. Vatican ordered an administrative hearing for Sanders. Sanders not technically charged with abuse of a minor because church law at the time defined minors as those under 16. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18.
Sax was archdiocesan director of priest personnel 1991-1999. Monsignor. Placed on leave in 2000 after allegation. Admitted that he molested an altar boy on numerous occasions 1980-1985 at St. Peter’s in Reserve. Suit filed in 5/01 but it was not served until 2002. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18.
First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. It noted allegation received in 1978 of abuse in the late 1970s, and that Seery left the United States in 1978 and died in 2011.
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. Accused in a 9/19 suit 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.
Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children.
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.
Ordained:
Status:Â Settled
Diocese:Â Archdiocese of New Orleans LA
Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled 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 9/19 suit 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.
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 settlement, she is referred to as Mother Superior Mary Omer.
Sued in 2005. One of several religious accused of abuse at Madonna Manor, a Catholic home for troubled children.
Named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on its list 2/14/20. (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 3/20, Sokol also worked in NJ, and left the order in 1957. He died in 1970.
Monsignor. First publicly named as accused in 9/18. Died 5/3/87. Accused in a lawsuit settled in 2009 of fondling a boy while assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes In Uptown New Orleans 1969-71. Plaintiff’s attorney said SOL had not lapsed, but church worked to conceal the abuse for years. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18, which noted allegation received in 2006. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019.
Named publicly as accused by the St. Joseph Abbey Benedictines on its list in 11/18. 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. He died 7/26/12.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/16/18. Allegation noted to have been received in 1995, of abuse int eh late 1970s. Worked at Ave Maria Retreat House in Lafitte, and at Our Lady of Guadalupe in New Orleans.
First named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 11/2/18. Allegation received 1966 of abuse in the 1960s. Removed from ministry 1967. Died 1989.
Wattigny was pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell, since 2013, when he told archdiocesan officials on 10/1/20 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 psych evaluation. Other assignments included chaplain at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie for over ten years until 5/13, and pastor of St. Benilde in Metairie 2000-13. Arrested in Georgia later in 10/20. Added to the archdiocese’s list in 12/20. Charged in 3/21 with molesting a minor, age 15, 6/1/13-8/31/14. Pled not guilty.
First named publicly as accused on the New Orleans archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. Allegation of abuse received 2005 of abuse in the 1940s. Incardinated into the Baton Rouge diocese when it was formed in 1961. Retired in 1995. Died 2000. On Baton Rouge diocese’s list in early 2019. It notes an allegation received in 3/96 of abuse in 1956, while assigned to Assumption of the BVM in Plattenville.
Deacon at St. Francis Xavier in Old Metairie. Attorney. The archdiocese announced on 8/3/20 that Wheeler had been removed from ministry due to an allegation that he abused a minor 20 years prior. Reportedly in 11/20 Wheeler was being investigated for allegations of the rape in his home 1/00-12/01 of a boy under age 13. Arrested 3/8/21.
Taught at Jesuit high schools in TX and New Orleans LA before 35-year career as Asian History and Zen teacher at Loyola University in New Orleans. Left priesthood to marry in 1996. Died in 2006. Accused in 9/16 lawsuit of sexually assaulting and raping a girl on campus hundreds of times 1978-85, 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 7/18. On archdiocese’s list 11/2/18. On Jesuits’ Central and Southern Province list 12/7/18.
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