Former Pastor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Abusing Altar Server, the Son of a Deacon

By Deacon Greg Kandra
Patheos blog
May 1, 2019

https://bit.ly/2vypScE

A former priest in the Lafayette Diocese was sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison after pleading guilty last month to sexually abusing a 16-year-old altar boy four years ago.

Michael Guidry, the 76-year-old former pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Morrow, confessed to the crime in June, after Bishop Douglas Deshotel announced the allegation. As part of his plea deal, Guidry was required to stay in Acadia Parish until his sentencing, turn over his passport and be placed on the sex offender registry.

Guidry faced a maximum of 10 years in prison. Judge Alonzo Harris of the 27th Judicial District Court in Opelousas imposed the maximum, including three years of probation. Harris also ordered Guidry to complete treatment for sex offenders.

Peyton’s family sued Guidry and the diocese in August, claiming that a diocesan official said they would discontinue therapy for the victim and his family should they file suit. The family’s attorney also provided a letter from the diocese acknowledging there was a luncheon held in honor of Guidry after the allegations were reported.

…Peyton’s parents and his older brother, Alex Peyton, provided emotional testimony Tuesday in urging the judge to impose the maximum sentence. They said Guidry initiated a close personal relationship when they started attending the church in Morrow, with him frequently visiting their home and vice versa.

Oliver Peyton kept the abuse secret for three years, they said, as the family continued to socialize with and receive guidance from Guidry. The abuse occurred on “the very couch that I received spiritual direction,” said Scott Peyton, who is Oliver’s father and serves as a deacon.