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	Priest Accused of Theft Leaves Area By Jacqueline Cochran Daily Advertiser October 10, 2006 http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061010/NEWS01/610100351/1002 Opelousas - A Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette priest accused of stealing church funds has left the area and is staying with another priest, according to Monsignor Robert Romero, who was assigned to take over his duties. The Rev. Nicky Trahan, who was the parish priest at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Port Barre until his arrest Friday, reportedly has left the immediate area until the case is resolved. Romero, parish priest at St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, said Trahan is staying with a priest friend outside of the Port Barre area. When asked if Trahan is all right, Romero said, "Yes and no. I think he's upset, shaken by all of this." Trahan, who is accused of stealing $64,000 from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, was released on a $25,000 bond. "My job is to assure parish life continues," said Romero. Trahan was implicated in the theft by Ramona Speyrer, 50, of Arnaudville, a longtime church secretary. Romero said it is important for people to remember that Trahan is innocent until proven guilty. "Father Nicky is still pastor," he said. St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor said Monday that his office has yet to receive information concerning the charges against the priest. "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," he 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."
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