Bishop on Priest's Arrest: "I Pray the Victim Finds Healing"

Daily Advertiser
June 14, 2018

https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/crime/2018/06/14/father-michael-guidry-accused-sexual-assault-turns-himself-confesses/700926002/

The priest accused of sexually abusing a minor has turned himself in and confessed, authorities said.

The Rev. Michael Guidry, 75, surrendered Thursday morning at the St. Landry Parish jail and was charged with molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability and with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

His bond was set at $21,500.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said his office opened the investigation when a male victim reported he had been sexually molested by Guidry.

According to the report, the alleged victim was 16 at the time of the assault, which occurred at the priest's home.

Guidry confessed that he provided the victim with alcohol and admitted to the sexual assault, authorities said.

Guidry led St. Peter Church in the community of Morrow. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette placed Guidry on administrative leave earlier this month pending investigations by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and the diocese.

Bishop Douglas J Deshotel said he was saddened to hear about Guidry's arrest and confession, and that sexual abuse is a crime and a sin against God.

"Abuse violates a victim's trust in an adult, a professional, an authority figure and especially a member of the clergy," Deshotel said in a statement sent to news organizations on Thursday.

"I pray that the victim finds healing in God's love and the support of friends."

The bishop said as soon as the Diocese learned of the abuse, it contacted law enforcement, started its own investigation and put Guidry on leave.

"These protocols are all part of the 'Safe Environment' program for the protection of children and young adults. Every employee of the Diocese of Lafayette must sign off on this program," Deshotel said in his statement.

"The Diocese has cooperated fully and willingly with law enforcement authorities in this case and will continue to do so as the criminal proceedings continue."

Deshotel said the Diocese will continue to provide ministry and support to the parishes in Morrow and Whiteville, where Guidry was a pastor, and urged citizens to come forward with any information about suspected abuse.

In a news conference last week, Deshotel said Diocesan records for Guidry show no prior complaints.

The parents of the alleged victim, along with the pastor of a church the family currently attends in Ville Platte, notified the diocese of the alleged abuse incident, Deshotel said.

The bishop said he did not personally meet with the alleged victim or his parents. He said he also did not meet with Guidry.

During last week's news conference, Deshotel said the church will provide partial payment to Guidry's attorney and assist the priest in finding an attorney who specializes in church law.

The diocese is required by church law to assist accused priests in determining if an accusation is a crime or not.

No priests credibly accused of abuse remain with the diocese, Deshotel said.