Fr. Gilbert Gauthe

Ordained: 1971
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

First widely publicized abuser. Parish priest. Diocesan Boy Scouts leader. Allegations first arose in 1983. Convicted in 1985 of the abuse of as many as 39 young children 1972-1983. Served 10 years in prison. Multiple civil suits and settlements. In 1997 pleaded no contest to abuse of a 3-year-old boy in TX. Given 7 years probation. Charged in 12/1997 with the rape of a young girl at gunpoint 20 years prior. Jailed for two years in Lafayette until the charges were dropped. As of 2008 was living near Houston TX. Arrested in 4/2008 for failing to register as sex offender. Served two years in county jail. Released 4/23/2010. In 2014 was living in San Leon TX. Included on the diocese’s list in 4/2019. Still living in San Leon. Added to the Alexandria diocese’s list. Accused in a 2024 lawsuit of sexually abusing an altar boy, ages 10-12, in 1976-1977 while assigned to St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Abbeville. The boy told his mother about the abuse and church officials allegedly pressured the family into silence. Subject of a lawsuit filed in 10/2024.

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