Diocese of Lafayette LA - BishopAccountability.org

53 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Jules M. Arceneaux

Ordained: 1990
Status: Accused

Placed on leave in 7/2004 after the FBI seized a church computer holding possible child pornography. A boy said he had downloaded the images; the U.S. Attorney's office said the boy had not. It closed its investigation in 4/2005 without filing charges against priest, saying it did not have sufficient evidence to meet "prosecutable standard," i.e., it could not prove those in the pictures were minors. The Diocese then resumed its investigation; Arceneaux remained on leave. He reportedly was leading the rosary at funerals in Lafayette in 2013. Included on diocese's list in 4/2019; remained on leave.

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Fr. Susai Arul

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

From the Diocese of Kottar in India. Arrived in the U.S. in 1973. Held a Masters degree in guidance and counseling from Villanova University in PA; worked on a doctorate in Exceptional Child Education at the University of S. Florida in Tampa. Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese of Mobile on its list 12/6/2018, for "misconduct" 1989-1990. Worked at some point at Little Flower parish. The list shows Arul as an Order priest, but doesn't name the Order. Prohibited from ministry in the archdiocese. Accused in a 2015 lawsuit of abuse in 1981 of a 10-year-old altar boy in Ville Platte in the Diocese of Lafayette LA. Settled. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019, which notes he resigned in 1988 and died in 2002.

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Fr. Stanley Begnaud

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 07/24/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named in an affidavit by Rev. Thomas Doyle O.P. as a "known pedophile" on file in an insurance case against Lafayette insurance carriers. Retired in 1982. Died 7/24/1985. On the diocese's list in 4/2019. Lawsuit filed in 7/2020 by a man claiming Begnaud sexually abused him at age 16 in the early 1960s. The man, who was a St. Stephen's in Berwick parishioner, said Begnaud assaulted him while driving him home from a school bonfire.

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Fr. Michael J. Benedict

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

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

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Retired in 1979. Died in 1998.

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Fr. Jody P. Blanchard

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the Central and Southern Province of the Jesuits on its list 12/7/2018. Was at the Jesuit Community in Berkeley CA 1984. Worked at St. Charles Borromeo in Grand Coteau 1985-1987, Loyola University's Catholic Center in New Orleans 1989-1991. Also assigned at some point to Immaculate Conception in Baton Rouge and Strake Jesuit College Prep in Houston. Left the Jesuits in 1994. Reportedly was working in 2019 in Lafayette LA as a counselor to the elderly. Included on the Baton Rouge diocese's list in 2019.

Assignments:

Jesuits Central and Southern List 12.07.18

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Fr. J.M. Bourgeois

Ordained: 1924
Status: Sued

Died: 06/14/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Monsignor. Per news in 1/2019, Bourgeois was accused in a lawsuit of the sexual abuse, including rape, of a 7- or 8-year-old altar boy at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ville Platte. The alleged victim reportedly uncovered his memory of the abuse during counseling in 2002. Bourgeois died in 1978.

Sources:

KATC 01.13.19

Deacon Lester Breaux

Status: Sued

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

Deacon. Reported in 1/2019 to have been accused in a 1986 lawsuit of molesting a boy at St. Peter's in Carencro in 1985. The suit was dismissed. Breaux died in 1996. Included on the diocese's list in 4/19, which notes that Breaux resigned in 1984.

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Fr. Felix David Broussard

Ordained: 1993
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pastor of St. Bernard's and Chancellor of St. Bernard School in Breaux Bridge when arrested 7/27/2016 and charged with 500 counts of child pornography possession (of children from infancy to age 12); a technician had discovered the images on Broussard's personal computer. Released on bail. Placed on leave. Pleaded not guilty 5/2/2017. Pleaded guilty in 10/2018. Sentenced to five years in prison. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019.

Deacon Willis Broussard

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 1977. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Resigned in 1990.

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Fr. David Anderson Coupar

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Resigned in 1994.

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Br. George Curtis

Order: FSC
Status: Settled

Died: 12/14/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Professed final vows in 1936. Assigned during his career to twelve Christian Brothers Schools in the New Orleans-Santa Fe Province. Director of the western section of the Province 1961-1964. Accused in a lawsuit filed in LA 10/1991 of molesting two brothers repeatedly between 1975 and 1977. Assigned 1970-1991 to Iberia Catholic High School in LA and worked at a local parish. Their mother reportedly allowed Curtis custody of the boys 3 to 5 times per week for their benefit, per his suggestion. The suit settled in 1992. Curtis died in 1998.

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Fr. Herbert de Launay

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Removed in 1999.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

Fr. John A. de Leeuw

Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 07/8/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

From the Netherlands. Joined the Diocese of Lafayette LA in 1953. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2012. Retired in 1986. In 2009 a social worker reported to the diocese that a woman alleged de Leeuw sexually abused her starting when she was age 13 and continuing until she was married. He was quietly removed in 2011. In 2019 the woman's sister, then in her early 60s, told a news outlet that de Leeuw sexually abused her beginning when she was about age seven and in third grade, and continuing until she was in sixth grade. She said he also sexually abused most of her six siblings. The siblings had come forward to the diocese in 2011. de Leeuw denied the allegations. He died in 2015, at age 97.

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Fr. Michael DesJardins

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Resigned in 1992.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

Fr. N. Wilfred DesRosiers

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Retired and living at a nursing home in Canada when accused in 2002 of sexually abusing four minors in the Lafayette LA diocese between 1967 and 1972. Was on leave of absence 1972-1973, then worked in TX for two years. Retired in 1975. The Order was investigating and had offered counseling to DesRosiers' victims. Note: Both the 1993 and 2002 Catholic Directories show him assigned to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. They also show his name spelled Wilfrid. Died in 2012.

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Fr. Alvin Dixon

Order: SVD
Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Died: 06/30/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Died in 2001. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2024 of sexually abusing a boy, who was a student at Immaculate Heart of Mary 1966-1976. The plaintiff also claims sexual abuse at the parish and school by Revs. Joseph Guidry and Raymond Jones.

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Br. Rene Dorsey

Donate Photo

Order: OSB
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused in a 1995 lawsuit, along with Rev. Gregory Mosca, of molesting an altar boy, ages of 10-15, in the late 1970s. Diocese sent alleged victim to MN for treatment and also for other psychological services. Paid about $49,500 total for counseling.

Documents:

Niel vs. Mosca et al.; Parish of Calcasiue, LA, Docket # 95-5905

Fr. Gilbert Dutel

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

As early as 1987, Anthony Fontana, a well-known attorney in Louisiana, told newly-appointed Bishop Flynn that Dutel was accusing of coercing young adult men to have sex with him. Flynn merely told him that Dutel was "cured" and the diocese needed him because of priest shortage. In 1992, another young man told an attorney that Dutel abused him in the 1970s when he was ages 9-14. Fontana included the original information in a 1995 affidavit in an insurance case but nothing ever done. Dutel remained as active priest and was working as pastor of St. Edmond Catholic Church in Lafayette. He had also worked in elementary and high schools. In 2014 Dutel denied all allegations and remained active. Diocese was defending him and said it had no records regarding the investigation that cleared him. Bishop refused to release list of accused priests. DA has said he will not investigate further until a victim asks him to do so.

Fr. John Anthony Mary Engbers

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Died: 09/3/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused of abuse of at least nine young girls in the early 1950s to the 1970s. Four known lawsuits. Suit in 1985, settled in 2001 claimed abuse in Lake Charles of two girls, ages 3 and 6 or 7 in the early 1950s. Parents reportedly confronted Engbers, who admitted the abuse with the pastor present. Engbers was moved to another church. Another 1985 suit claimed abuse beginning 1957 of sisters ages 5 and 7, lasting into their teens. Fled to Holland in 1985 after removal from his position when Church learned of suits. Per 1989 suit, abused 3- or 4-year-old girl in Gueydan the early 1970s. Settled 1996. Engbers died in 1989. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Ronald Lane Fontenot

Ordained: 1975
Status: Convicted

Died: 04/23/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused of abusing in LA in the mid-1970s. A civil suit was filed in LA in 1983. Placed on leave and sent for counseling. Transferred to Spokane as a drug/alcohol counselor. Abused at least three there. Convicted in 1986. Sentenced to one year in jail and two years treatment at the Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, NM, as well as three years' probation. Six civil suits were filed in Spokane in 1986 and settled in 1989. Another civil suit was filed there in 2003. Went by "Jean-Paul Fontenot." Died in 2014. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019.

Deacon Leonard J. Freyou

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

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

Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 1977. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Died in 2006.

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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.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Deacon Shawn Jude Gautreaux

Ordained: 2020
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 2020. Placed on leave in 6/2021 due to an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor. The alleged abuse occurred "many years" prior to Gautreaux's ordination to the diaconate. Assigned to St. Bernard in Breaux Bridge.

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Fr. Aldeo F. Gilbert

Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Died: 04/3/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Bishop Schexnayder was reportedly notified in 1964 or 1965 of the sexual abuse of girls by Gilbert. A woman sued in 12/1992 saying Gilbert had "choreographed a sexual assault on her" by two women when she was a child in 1965, but that she didn't remember until late 1991. Judge dismissed the lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. An appeals court affirmed the dismissal 5/3/1995. Another woman filed suit in 11/1993. Several women alleged that Gilbert ran a cult in Acadia Parish in the 1940s-1960s via "vocation clubs" in parishes that he set up to encourage girls to become nuns. Was on sick leave in 1968. Absent on sick leave 1988 and 1990 per the Catholic Directory. Died in 2007. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019.

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Fr. Michael S. Guidry

Ordained: 1971
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pastor of two parishes when the Diocese announced 6/2/2018 that Guidry was accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. The abuse occurred "several years" prior at St. Peter's in Morrow. The victim was the son of a church deacon who served at the parish. Guidry was placed on leave. Guidry turned himself in to the Sheriff's Office 6/13/2018 and confessed to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy, after plying him with alcohol. The victim filed suit in 8/2018. Guidry pleaded guilty in 3/2019. Ordered to register as a sex offender. Included on the Diocese's list in 4/2019. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, three years suspended. Released on bail under house arrest in 4/2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent back to prison after sentencing appeals were denied. The Diocese issued an apology 5/7/2021; the victim's family said they had settled the same week. Guidry was permanently removed from ministry. In early 2021 Guidry testified that after he molested the boy in 2015, he told fellow priests in a support group. He wasn't removed until the boy came forward in 2018. Denied early release by the state parole board 8/17/2021. In 12/2023 the victim's father resigned from the diocese's diaconate and the Catholic Church and joined an Anglican congregation because of "distressing revelations regarding sexual abuse scandals... ." Bishop Deshotel informed the former deacon in 3/2024 that he had been excommunicated.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Deacon Louis Hanemann

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Died: 05/21/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained for the permanent deaconate in 1983. Named publicly as accused by the Lafayette, LA diocese on its list in 4/2019. It notes he worked at St. Genevieve's in Lafayette and in the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. Left in 1986. Removed in 2002. Died in 2007.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

Fr. Lloyd P. Hebert

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 01/27/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Reportedly in 1986 Hebert resigned after being accused of molesting an adolescent in Opelousas. A young man complained about him and wanted him removed from his parish; Hebert left Opelousas to live with relatives. In a 1988 deposition former Bishop Frey characterized him as a child molester who was suspended by the diocese. Hebert died in 2004. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019.

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Fr. L. Michael Herpin

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Removed from his post as vicar of the central region and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Broussard in 7/2002 and sent to treatment after admitting that he had engaged in sexual impropriety with a minor about 30 years prior. The diocesan review committee agreed. Status was "retired" in 2017. Included on the diocese's list in 4/2019.

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Fr. Marshall R. Larriviere

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 08/27/2014
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused in a 9/2003 civil suit of raping a 7-year-old girl in 1968. Later consolidated with another suit filed by a second woman. Both suits alleged Larriviere sexually abused them as children at his Vermilion Parish camp in the 1960s. Both matters settled for unknown amount 9/2008. Retired to FL where he died 8/27/2014, in Ft. Myers. Included on diocese's list in 4/2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Robert Marcel Limoges

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

"Skipper." From Quebec Province, ordained in Lafayette LA. Accused in the early 1980s of molesting two boys, ages 6 and 7. Report in 1/1983 of fondling a teenage boy in Eunice. Larroque told the boy's family that all costs of counseling would be covered by the Diocese. The boy's parents told the District Attorney, who refused to press charges. Sent to House of Affirmation in CA 7/1984 - 2/1984. Assigned to a parish in the Baton Rouge diocese in 3/1984. Accused in 1984 by a teenage boy of making sexual advances during a camping trip. The boy told his parents who called another priest; Limoges was confronted by Msgr. Larroque. Admitted to the behavior; removed from his assignment. Sent to St. Bernard Abbey in AL in 7/1984. Civil suit filed 1991. Trial court dismissed; plaintiffs appealed. Appeal denied in 2006. Included on the Lafayette diocese's list in 4/2019. Added to the Baton Rouge diocese's list in 7/2019.

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Seminarian Eric Michael Manuel

Donate Photo

Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Covington, LA. Worked during college as a youth minister at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette. Became a Eucharistic Minister and Confirmation class teacher at St. Thomas More. In 12/2011 was discovered to have sent a 15-year-old boy sexually explicit cellphone messages. Criminally investigated. Found to have been soliciting sexual images from boys, ages 13-17, posing as a 14-year-old girl. Threatened one boy who refused. Indicted in 1/2012 on 18 counts of child pornography production and two counts of "using a facility of interstate commerce to persuade a minor to engage in criminal sexual acts." Pleaded guilty. Admitted to engaging boys in sex and paying them for oral sex. Sentenced 3/22/2013 to 27 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervision.

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Fr. Kenneth Morvant

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

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

In 8/2018 a man stated publicly that Morvant repeatedly sexually abused him over two years, beginning when he was an 8-year-old altar boy at St. Martin de Tours in Martinville. The man stated there were 45 known victims, and that Morvant abused hundreds. He said that most of the abuse occurred in the parish rectory, and that Morvant would ply his victims with alcohol. The abuse allegedly involved Morvant masturbating in front of the children as well as oral sex and sodomy. The man also said that his brother and cousin were victims who died by suicide. Morvant died 12/13/2003. The alleged victim and 10 other men filed a lawsuit in 8/2018. Some of the plaintiffs claimed that they were abused for eight years. In 1/2024 the LA Supreme Court heard the civil case brought by six plaintiffs alleging abuse by Morvant decades prior when they were ages 8-14. In 3/2024 the LA Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a law that passed in 2021 opening a window to allow victims to sue perpetrators of child sexual abuse beyond the state's usual 1-year statute of limitations.

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Fr. Albert G. Nunez

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Reportedly accused in 2015-2016 of molesting two brothers, one by then deceased, in the 1970s. Report to state police; investigation closed because the surviving brother did not want to press charges. Another man said that when he was age 12, Nunez "spooned" him in bed after his mother insisted the boy stay the night in the rectory. Nunez denied the allegations. Not on diocese's list 4/12/2019. Retired in 2018; living in 5/2019 in a diocesan nursing home.

Sources:

Acadiana Advocate 05.10.19

Fr. Steven Parks

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Reportedly in 1/2019, Parks was accused in a 2003 lawsuit of molesting a boy 1966-1971, beginning when the boy was age 10 and Parks was at a Grand Coteau parish and an elementary school in Opelousas. Settled in 2006.

Sources:

KATC 01.13.19

Fr. Joseph F. Pellettieri

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pellettieri (also spelled Pelletieri) was suspended by the Order and by the New Orleans Archdiocese in 4/2002 after an allegation that he sexually abused a minor in 1967. The abuse allegedly occurred when Pellettieri was teacher and principal at Notre Dame High School in Crowley, LA. At the time of his suspension Pellettieri was in charge of Ave Maria Retreat House. He also worked in Wisconsin, Baton Rouge and Alexandria. Sued in 3/2003. Dismissed. In 12/2008 an appeals court upheld dismissal of the suit due to the statute of limitations. Included on the New Orleans archdiocese's list 11/2/2018. Died in 2018. On the Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019.

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Sr. Cheryl A. Porte

Order: MSC
Status: Accused

Died: 04/17/2020
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

The Marianites received an allegation in 1979 that Porte was sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, who was a student at Opelousas Middle School where Porte was a teacher. The abuse began in 1978 when the girl was 12. Porte was reportedly sent to the Order's provincial house in New Orleans, and received counseling. She lived there until 1985, worked for the Charlotte NC diocese for two years, then returned to New Orleans. She relocated in 1992 to study for her doctorate at St. Louis University. As of 2002 Porte still functioned as a nun, living in O'Fallon and teaching at St. Louis University. She would sometimes speak at adult seminars in the Diocese of Belleville. After a 7/2002 meeting with the victim, the Marianites acknowledged an "inappropriate relationship." Porte died in New Orleans 4/17/2020.

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Fr. Keith Anthony Potier

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

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

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 4/2019 The list notes that Potier resigned in 1981 and died in 2009. He had gone on to marry and raise a family.

Assignments:

Diocese of Lafayette Assignment Record

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Fr. Donald Raymond Pousson

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 07/7/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

In 6/2002 the bishop said that an investigation of Pousson was pending but that no action had been taken because a review committee had not yet been formed. Pousson was accused of molesting a boy about 10 years prior. Pousson denied the allegation. He said that he had been treated several times for "alcohol but never sex abuse." The diocese reportedly learned of the alleged molestation in the mid-1990s but in 2002 the bishop denied prior knowledge. Placed on administrative leave in 1994 and spent several months in in-patient treatment in St. Louis. Died 7/07/2013.

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Fr. David Primeaux

Ordained: 1976
Status: Settled

Died: 12/27/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Accused of abuse of at least 15 children 1978-1983. Admitted in psychological evaluations as early as 1980 to sexually abusing boys, beginning in 1980 when he was teaching at St. Benedict in Covington, LA. Per a 4/2002 news article, the Diocese settled a lawsuit in 2000 in which it admitted that Primeaux molested a boy in the early 1980s while at St. Joseph's in Milton. He had also been assigned to St. Thomas More in Lafayette. He left the active priesthood in 1985 and later married. Died by suicide 12/27/2012. Included on the Diocese's list in 4/2019.

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Fr. Valerie Pullman

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Died: 01/9/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

The Diocese knew of "reported pedophiia" as early as 1966. Former Bishop Frey admitted in court insurance case documents that he knew of allegations against Pullman. Pullman was assigned to parishes in Lake Arthur, Elton, Lafayette and Lake Charles. He served as Vicar for Black Catholics and on the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. He left active ministry in 1985 and settled in Jennings, LA. One claim, of abuse of an altar boy in 1972, was made in 2003 and settled in 07/2008. Pullman died 1/9/1017. His name was included on the Lake Charles diocese's list in 2/2021, noting that allegations of abuse in the diocese were received in 1019/99 and 2/2021. A new suit in 8/2021 claims abuse of a 12-year-old altar boy while assigned to St. Maria Goretti in Lake Arthur. The boy was a student at the parish school. The boy allegedly reported the abuse to a church superior who then transferred Pullman to another church.

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Fr. James W. Queren

Donate Photo

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 08/29/1992
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

In 10/2021 three men in their 50s stated publicly that Queren repeatedly sexually abused them and "nearly a dozen" other boys when they were 10- and 11-year-old altar servers at Holy Family in Lawtell. The priest allegedly used them to recruit other boys, and tried to have them "do each other" in a group. At least one of them had come forward to the Diocese in 2018. Queren died in 1992.

Sources:

KLFY 10.06.21

Fr. Harry Quick

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 05/23/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Sealed documents opened in 2014 revealed that church officials forced Quick into counseling in 1977 after allegations from a Eunice LA church. The 1977 memo noted that "it was assumed every time he moved it was because there was some complaint of molestation." Named as child molester in former Bishop Frey's January 1988 deposition. Quick denied abusing boys (at least two) but did admit to relationship with a seminarian. Died in 1994.

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Rev. Armand Cyr

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

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

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Lafayette LA on its list in 1/2022. Died in 1975. (Not the same priest as Armand E. Cyr of the Portland ME diocese).

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Fr. Mark Richard

Ordained: 1996
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Arrested in 1/1997 after found with a 14-year-old boy in a van parked on a dead-end road at 1:30 in the morning. Richard claimed the boy had problems and wanted to talk. Placed on leave and suspended from priestly ministry. Richard and the boy both denied any wrong-doing and charges were dropped. Bishop wanted further evaluation. Soon after charges were dropped, Richard was "quietly forced to resign."

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Fr. Richard Rieboldt

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list of in 4/2019. Resigned in 1985. Removed in 1989.

Sources:

Diocese of Lafayette List 04.12.19

Fr. Robie Robichaux

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Monsignor. Prominent diocesan official. Suspended in 10/2018 after allegations that he sexually abused a girl, ages 16-18, in 1979-81. His accuser came forward to the Diocese in 1994 and 2004; Robichaux was kept in ministry. She again contacted the Diocese in 2018. The woman filed suit in 2020. A second woman alleged in 2018 that Robichaux abused her in 1975 when she was a 17 -or 18-year-old High School senior and he was a deacon in New Iberia. Investigation ongoing in 1/2019. Bishop Jarrell appealed to the Vatican; appeal denied.

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Fr. Jody J. Simoneaux

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Pastor of St. John's in Jeanerette when the Diocese announced 11/1/2018 that Simoneaux was placed on leave due to an allegation of "improper behavior with minors" over 30 years prior. The incidents reportedly occurred while Simoneaux was assigned to St. Anthony's Church and St. Edmund High School in Eunice, and St. Anne's in Youngsville. Diocese and police were investigating. Included on the Diocese's list in 4/2019.

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Fr. Gerard C. Smit

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Ordained in the Netherlands. Was working in the Lafayette LA diocese by 1957. Report to police 1982 of abuse of a boy 1965-1970 in Youngsville. Said Smit stalked him. Complaint to the bishop in 1986 of the sexual abuse of girls. Fathered two children in Cankton, LA. Sent to Jemez Springs NM for treatment. Still of the Lake Charles diocese (created from the Lafayette diocese in 1980), sent to the Wilmington DE diocese in 1987. Removed in 1996. Name first released on a list by the Wilmington bishop 11/16/2006. Was teaching at the University of Delaware's Academy of Lifelong Learning, for adults over 50. The Lafayette bishop removed Smit from public ministry and contact with minors in 2011 and informed DE. Personnel files released in 2/2012. Allegedly abused at least eight in LA. Report to the Diocese in 2010 of abuse of an altar boy in Cankton in the 1970s. Complaint to police 2015 of abuse of an altar boy in 1961 in Youngsville. Sentenced in 2013 to a Life of Prayer and Penance. Living in PA. Died in 2022.

Assignments:

News Journal 11.16.06

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Fr. Jean-Baptiste Toussaint

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

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

From Haiti. Ordained for the Diocese of Cap-Haitien. Professor in Haiti then in New Brunswick Canada before transferring to Louisiana in 1954. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Died in 1977.

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Fr. Adrian Walter Van Hal

Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

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

From Holland, where he was ordained in 1937, arriving in the U.S. the same year. Named publicly as accused by the Lafayette LA diocese on its list in 4/2019. Died in 1970.

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Fr. Cornelius Van Merrianboer

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1924
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Resigned in 1933. Died in 1960. (Name likely spelled Van Merrienboer.)

Sources:

Fr. Rosaire Veilleux

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

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

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 4/2019. Resigned in 1973. Died in 1986.

Sources:

Fr. Charles J. Zaunbrecher

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 06/19/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette LA

Arrested in 5/1986 at a public park, charged with obscenity for exposing himself to two undercover police officers. Pleaded no contest. Received a one-year suspended sentence and one year unsupervised probation, and ordered to undergo treatment. Assigned in 1985 to the Church of the Little Flower in Mobile, AL, and returned to Lafayette in 1995. Died in 1996. Included on the Lafayette diocese's list of credibly accused in 4/2019, which notes that he retired in 1995.

Sources:

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