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	Local Priest to Take on Sacred Heart Catholic Church Work By Jacqueline Cochran Daily World [Opelousas LA] October 10, 2006 http://www.dailyworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061010/NEWS01/610100304 For now, an Opelousas priest has been called to fill the position of Father Charles "Nicky" Trahan, who was arrested for theft of church funds. Monsignor Robert Romero, who is the parish priest at St. Landry Catholic Church and who lives only 15 minutes by car from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church congregation, will serve them while Trahan is absent. "My job is to assure parish life continues," he said. Trahan, accused of stealing $64,000 from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Port Barre, was arrested Friday by Port Barre police. He is out of the immediate area and staying with a friend, who is also a priest, until charges brought against him are either proven false or true. He was released on a $25,000 bond after his arrest. When asked if "Father Nicky," as he is known to his parishioners, is doing well, Romero, who is the Episcopal victor of the north region of the Diocese of Lafayette, said, "Yes and no. I think he's upset, shaken by all of this." Arrested and charged in the same thefts as Trahan was his secretary, Ramona Speyrer, 50, of Arnaudville. Speyrer is the person alleging Trahan's involvement, reported Port Barre Police Chief David Richard. Richard told the Daily Worldon Friday that he was contacted by church auditors who noted the absence of cash collections between July 2004 and July 2006. Romero said Monday it is important for people to know that Trahan is innocent until proven guilty. "Father Nicky is still pastor," he said. Romero said Port Barre parishioners need not worry about the continuation of daily church services. "I am looking for priests to come in at different times so services continue. I will act as administrator for the parish during this time," he said. As for the charges, St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor said Monday that his office has yet to receive information concerning the charges. "I haven't spoken to (Chief) David Richard. I have no idea what the evidence is at this time, but because of his position, because of the effect this will have on the community, before we move with it we are going to make sure there's a case," Taylor said. And if Trahan has broken the law, Taylor said; "The fact that he is a priest will not matter. He will be treated no better than anyone else." Taylor's office as well as 27th Judicial District courts were closed Monday in observance of Christopher Columbus Day.
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