Louisiana Clergy Sexual Abuse
If you experienced clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana, you have legal rights and options, including the ability to file a police report and eligibility to file a civil lawsuit to seek justice and accountability.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
- There are potentially thousands of victims of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana – who can be members of any organized religion, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Church, evangelical protestant sects, and other denominations.
- Hundreds of priests and other religious leaders have been accused of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana – and although someindividuals have been named and prosecuted, there are likely more that have gone unreported.
- If you experienced any form of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana, you have legal rights and options including reporting to law enforcement and potentially filing or participating in an existing civil lawsuit.
Overview of Clergy Sexual Abuse Allegations in Louisiana
Over the last few decades, allegations of sexual abuse by priests and other clergy members in Louisiana have continued to make headlines. With potentially thousands of victims of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana alone, this issue is finally fully coming to light. Meanwhile, numerous perpetrators have been convicted of crimes, and many are facing civil lawsuits.
Victims of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana can be members of any organized religion, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Church, evangelical protestant sects, and other denominations.
Several leaders of the Archdiocese of New Orleans have been accused of enabling sexual abuse against hundreds of children and shielding perpetrators. Over 500 survivors filed a sexual abuse lawsuit for the harm they suffered. The claims have driven the archdiocese to file for bankruptcy protection. In September 2024, the survivors proposed that the archdiocese and its insurance carriers pay at least $1 billion to settle their claims—or $2 million per case—to settle the claims.
The archdiocese, which has already spent over $40 million in legal and professional fees on the bankruptcy, countered their offer with a total offer of only $62.5 million, less than $125,000 per case. So far, the survivors have not accepted this counteroffer, and the claims are still pending.
Another lawsuit alleges that a parish priest in St. Martinville, Louisiana, sexually abused boys between the ages of 8 and 14 during the 1970s. Like most survivors of sexual abuse, especially child sexual abuse, these individuals did not come forward until they were much older.
Allegations of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana resulted in the Louisiana Child Victims Act, which Louisiana lawmakers passed in 2021. This act granted childhood sexual abuse victims a three-year lookback window to file a civil lawsuit regardless of how long ago the harm happened. The three-year lookback window opened on August 1, 2021, and was set to close on July 31, 2024.
However, the law drew criticism from religious leaders who have challenged its constitutionality. The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional in March 2024, outraging the public and lawmakers. The high court reconsidered the matter and reversed its earlier decision in June 2024, reinstating the lookback window.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Legislature has passed a law extending the lookback window to June 14, 2027. This measure means that child victims of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana can still file a claim under the Louisiana Child Victims Act through the lookback window.
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Louisiana Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse
Many of those who experience childhood sexual abuse may not recognize or label it when it is happening. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including that the perpetrators use grooming tactics to gain the young person’s trust before causing harm. Additionally, children may not have the language to describe what is happening to them, feel scared, or fear their families may face further harm if they tell someone.
Clergy sexual abuse can take many forms, including the following:
- Inappropriate touching
- Inappropriate sexual jokes or comments
- Sexual harassment
- Sharing or requesting nude or sexualized photos
- Sexual assault, including forced oral sex
- Rape
If you or someone you care about has experienced any form of clergy sexual abuse by a Louisiana clergy member, you deserve to seek help and healing—even if the harm happened decades ago.
These are some of the Lousiana clergy Catholic organizations accused of sexual abuse per public record filings:
- Diocese of Alexandria
- Diocese of Shreveport
- Diocese of Lake Charles
- Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
- Diocese of Baton Rouge
- Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana
- Archdiocese of New Orleans
Diocese of Alexandria
- William Allison
- CI Charles Dekeukelare
- H. Clinton Teacle
- William Cody Bressler
- Paul Conway
- Francis O. Couvillion
View All
- Harvey Fortier
- John Franklin
- Robert Friend
- Edmund Gagné
- Gilbert Gauthe
- Michael G. Hannon
- Raymond M. Jones
- Theodore Lelieveld
- Frederick Lyons
- Kenneth Mathews
- Adrian Molenschot
- Francis Patrick Donohoe
- Moise Richard Gremillion
- Yves Robitaille
- Donald Rogers
- Norman Rogge
- Louis Senesac
- Victor Sepsi
- Edward Terry Allen
- Joseph Tisch
- Léger Tremblay
- Antonio Valez- Lopez
- Leo Van Hoorn
- Nino Viviano
- John Wesley Andries
Diocese of Baton Rouge
- Rodrigue Alphonse Hemond
- John Anthony Weber
- Clyde Bernard Landry
- Jody Blanchard
- Pierre Celestin Cambiaire
- John Coyne
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- Lawrence Dark
- George David Gensler
- Barry Finbar Coyle
- John Franklin
- James Funnel
- Antonio Gonzales
- John Hardman
- Lawrence Hecker
- Michael Hurley
- Carmelo Ignatius Camenzuli
- Joseph Israel Guidry
- Bryan James Fontenot
- Deacon James Lockwood
- John Joseph Berube
- Clarence Joseph Biggers
- David Joseph Clark
- Gerard Joseph Howell
- Myles Joseph Kearney
- Nicholas Joseph Martrain
- Christopher Joseph Springer
- Bryan Keith Gray
- Ralph Lawrence
- Joseph LeFrois
- Robert Limoges
- Daniel Michael Drinan
- Thomas J. Naughton
- Henry Neubig
- Salvador Nickie “Butch” Moran
- Daniel Patrick Brady
- Daniel Paul Lemoine
- Joseph Pellettieri
- James Preston Clement
- Richard Raphael Archer
- Jesse Ray Ortego
- C. Richard Nowery
- Malcolm Strassel
- Timothy Sugrue
- Joseph Vincent Sullivan
- David William Chaloux
Diocese of Lake Charles
- Juan Alers
- Mark Broussard (incarcerated 2016)
- Richard Chachere
- Kerry Guillory
- Brennan Harris
- Gregory Mosca
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- Edward Normanmtowicz
- Simon Palathingal (incarcerated 2004)
- Austin Park
- Louis Perrault
- Valerie Pullman
- Gerard Smit
- Charles Soileau
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
- Claude Boudreaux
- Lawrence Cavell
- Alexander Francisco
- Dale Guidry
- Gerard Kinane
- Patrick Kujawa (incarcerated)
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- Etienne LeBlanc
- Ramon Luce
- Robert Melancon
- Carlos Melendez
- Dac Nguyen
- Daniel Poche
- Gerald Prinz
- Bernard Schmaltz
Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana
- Joseph Alexander
- David Anderson Coupar
- John Anthony Engbers
- Keith Anthony Potier
- Jules Arceneaux
- Susai Arul
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- Stanley Begnaud
- Michael Benedict
- David Broussard (incarcerated)
- Willis Broussard
- Herbert de Launay
- John de Leeuw
- Michael Des Jardins
- Aldeo Femand Gilbert
- Leonard J. Freyou
- Michael Guidry
- Louis Hanemann
- Lloyd Hebert
- Michael Herpin
- Gilbert John Gauthe (convicted)
- Ronald Lane Fontenot
- Marshall Larriviere
- Breaux. Lester
- Robert Limoges
- David Primeaux
- Valerie Pullman
- Harry Quick
- J. Richard Chachere
- Richard Rieboldt
- Robie Robichaux
- Jody Simoneaux
- Gerard Smit
- Jean Toussaint
- Cornelius Van Merrianboer
- Rosaire Veilleux
- Adrian Walter Van Hal
- Charles Zaunbrecher
Diocese of Shreveport
- Edward T. Allen
- William Allison
- Charles Bartles
- Claude Boudreaux
- William C. Bressler
- H. Clinton Teacle
View All
- Paul Conway
- Francis O. Couvillion
- Charles Coyle
- Donald Dickerson
- Francis P. Donohoe
- Harvey Fortier
- John Franklin
- Robert Friend
- Moise R. Gremillion
- Michael G. Hannon
- Francis Landwermeyer
- Kenneth Mathews
- Thomas Naughton
- Claude Ory
- Austin Park
- Donald Pearce
- Donald Rogers
- Louis Senesac
- Victor Sepsi
- Leger Trembley
Archdiocese of New Orleans
- Paul Avallone
- John Basty
- James Benedict
- Claude Boudreaux
- Patrick Brady
- George Brignac
View All
- Paul Calamari
- Cornelius Carr
- Stanislaus Ceglar
- Pierre Celestin Cambiaire
- Dino Cinel
- James Collery
- Charles Coyle
- Paul Csik
- Lawrence Dark
- Carl Davidson
- Jerome Ducote
- Anthony Eosito
- Ernest Fagione
- Justin Faler
- Michael Farino
- Vincent Feehan
- Bryan Fontenot
- John Franklin
- Michael Fraser
- Thomas Gaard Glasgow
- Lloyd Glapion
- Lawrence Hecker
- Gerald Hindman
- Howard Hotard
- Gerard Howell
- Michael Hurley
- Gorham Joseph Putnam
- Patrick Keane
- James Kilgour
- Gerard Kinane
- James Kircher
- August Kita
- Bernard Knoth
- Ralph Lawrence
- James Lockwood
- Andrew Masters
- Richard J. McCormick
- Archibald McDowell
- Wesley Michael Landry
- William Miller
- Joseph Pankowski
- Donald Pearce
- Joseph Pellettieri
- Alfred Pimple
- Robert Poandl
- Gerald Prinz
- C. Richard Nowery
- Patrick Sanders
- John Sax
- Bernard Schmaltz
- John Seery
- Alfred Sokol
- Christopher Springer
- Malcolm Strael
- Anthony Tassin
- Roger Tee
- John Thomann
- John Weber
- Benjamin Wren
The information in the above lists was gathered from ProPublica’s list of U.S. Catholic clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse or misconduct.
Some individuals may be listed more than once because they served at multiple parishes. Some of these alleged perpetrators may now be deceased or incarcerated. However, you might still be able to file a civil lawsuit against the incarcerated individuals, the parishes where they worked, and the dioceses that employed them.
Rights & Options for Louisiana Clergy Abuse Survivors
Those who experience sexual abuse may not explore their legal rights or options for decades. In general, survivors have a few different options to report clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana. They can report the abuse to the religious organization, report the abuse to law enforcement, and file civil lawsuits against the perpetrators or religious organizations to pursue monetary compensation for their harm.
However, key factors to keep in mind are the civil and criminal statutes of limitations in Louisiana for sexual abuse. The criminal statute of limitations determines how long prosecutors have to press charges after an incident. The civil statute of limitations sets the deadline for survivors to file a civil lawsuit.
Regardless of whether the harm occurred yesterday or decades ago, contact Helping Survivors. We can help determine the statute of limitations that applies to your case and explain your legal rights and options. We can help you understand the reporting process and the potential outcomes. We can also answer any questions you have. We can also connect you with an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer if you want to learn more about filing a civil lawsuit.
File a Louisiana Clergy Abuse Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse
Hundreds of individuals impacted by clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana have already come forward. Many have filed or participated in existing lawsuits against individual clergy members and religious institutions. These lawsuits enable those impacted to seek financial compensation for their harm.
We understand how difficult it can be to come forward and go against a powerful religious organization. We work with experienced clergy sexual abuse law firms that provide free consultations to further explain how to file civil lawsuits for clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana.
The Louisiana statute of limitations for civil lawsuits over child sexual abuse is 10 years after the victim turns 18—their 28th birthday.
However, the Louisiana Child Victims Act and the recent extension of the lookback window to June 2027 give survivors the right to come forward and file claims regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. An experienced clergy sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your legal rights and do the following:
- Investigate and collect evidence of the abuse
- Draft and submit reports to church authorities or relevant religious institutions
- Report the abuse to law enforcement if this has not already been done
- File a Louisiana clergy sexual abuse lawsuit and litigate the matter on your behalf
- Handle all communications with the religious organization, their attorneys, and the courts
- If necessary, guide you through the deposition process, during which the parties and witnesses testify under oath
- Negotiate with church representatives for a potential settlement
- Filing the claim under seal or as a Jane or John Doe to protect your identity as permitted by law
- Represent you at all court appearances related to the case
Additionally, an experienced clergy sexual abuse law firm will take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and they only get paid if and when you win.
File a Police Report for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Reporting clergy sexual abuse to law enforcement in Louisiana can be an overwhelming experience for survivors, especially given the history of secrecy and cover-ups by religious officials.
In Louisiana, particularly within the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the process can feel daunting due to ongoing investigations and public scrutiny. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Louisiana State Police, have been actively pursuing clergy abuse cases, including historical ones dating back decades.
If you are still a minor under 18, it’s crucial to confide in a trusted adult like a family member, teacher, or counselor who can advocate for you while ensuring your comfort during the process.
If the abuse occurred years ago and you’re now over 18, you still have the right to report the abuse to law enforcement. In general, you must file a police report in person at the local precinct in the jurisdiction where the harm occurred. You may be able to call the precinct and schedule a time to come in to make the report.
The ability to prosecute the offense depends on a variety of factors, such as the availability of evidence and Louisiana’s sex crime statute of limitations. However, reporting the abuse—even years later—can create a critical paper trail documenting the allegations.
Incidents of child sexual abuse can also be reported to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, or DCFS, through their reporting hotline at 855-4LA-KIDS (52-5437).
This documentation can be vital if other survivors come forward, as recent investigations in Louisiana have shown that multiple reports can lead to significant legal actions. For instance, the high-profile case of former priest Lawrence Hecker, who currently faces charges for crimes committed in the 1970s, demonstrates the impact of reporting abuse, even after many years.
For survivors in Louisiana considering reporting clergy abuse, support is available from Helping Survivors. We can explain the reporting process and help you navigate its complexities.
Report Clergy Sexual Abuse to Individual Louisiana Dioceses & Religious Institutions
Another option for those impacted by clergy sexual abuse is the harm directly to the religious organization or authority. A report may trigger an internal investigation into the individual, leading to their dismissal.
However, according to media reports, many individuals did report the harm to religious institutions. However, many church officials either ignored the reports, retaliated against those who made the reports, or actively shielded the alleged perpetrators. The unfortunate reality is that organizations often try to protect themselves rather than victims of child sexual abuse.
Below is the contact information for each Louisiana diocese should you wish to file a report with the church. However, we highly recommend speaking to an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer before filing a report with the church. They can protect your rights and advise you during the reporting process.
| Name of Diocese | Contact Person | Phone Number |
| New Orleans Archdiocese | Victims Assistance Coordinator | 504-522-5019 |
| Houma-Thibodaux Diocese | unavailable | 985-873-0026 |
| Lafayette Diocese | Joseph Pisano, Jr., Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator | 337-298-2987 |
| Shreveport Diocese | Mary Katherine Arcement, Victim Assistance Minister | 318-584-2411 |
| Alexandria Diocese | Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist | 318-542-9805 |
| Baton Rouge Diocese | Amy Cordon, Child and Youth Protection Officer | 225-242-0202 |
What to Know About Filing a Louisana Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Civil lawsuits not only provide a means for holding perpetrators accountable but also enable survivors to seek financial compensation for their harm.
You may be eligible to file a Louisiana clergy sexual abuse lawsuit if:
- You experienced sexual abuse either as a minor or an adult committed by a priest, clergy member, or another Church-affiliated volunteer or employee
- You experienced sexual abuse during religious school, training, or other programs affiliated with the church
- The abuse happened at any time in the past
You can likely still file a claim for clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana even if:
- The person who abused you has died
- The abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime
Filing a civil lawsuit can help survivors recover from the financial, physical, and emotional toll the abuse has taken on their lives. This compensation may include the following:
- Medical and therapy costs
- Anticipated future mental health care, including therapy and medication
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Lost wages and income
- Diminished earning potential
- Lost career and academic opportunities
- Additional economic and non-economic losses
- Punitive damages
While financial compensation cannot erase the harm, filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit can help you seek justice and healing while preventing future harm.
Helping Survivors can connect you with an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer who can provide a free consultation. If you choose to move forward, they will represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to pursuing a claim.
They may also be able to file the claim ”under seal,” meaning you can protect your identity.
Louisana Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
These are the most frequently asked questions regarding the rights and process for filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Louisiana. Should you have any other questions or want to be connected to an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer, please reach out to us today.
Do I have a case for filing a Louisiana clergy sexual abuse lawsuit?
You might have a case if you experienced sexual abuse by a priest, clergy member, or other employee or volunteer of the church.
Can I file a lawsuit even if the harm happened years ago?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit for clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana, even if the harm happened years ago. The current lookback window under the Louisiana Child Victims Act allows survivors to file suit until June 14, 2027, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
While this may feel like ample time to contact a lawyer, many cases are currently pending. If you do not come forward, you may miss the opportunity to participate in this existing litigation against some of the state’s largest religious organizations. Therefore, even if you’re unsure you want to pursue a lawsuit, you should reach out to us as soon as possible.
What is the average settlement for clergy abuse lawsuits?
There is no set average settlement amount for clergy abuse lawsuits in Louisiana because the value of each case depends on numerous factors.
In the case currently pending against the Archdiocese of New Orleans, over 500 survivors have filed sexual abuse claims. They have proposed that the organization and their insurance providers pay at least $1 billion to settle their claims—about $2 million per claim. The archdiocese has countered, offering only $125,000 per claim. Since the archdiocese has filed for bankruptcy protection, the claims are pending in bankruptcy court. Unfortunately, This case will likely never go to trial as the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy and the lawsuit is now protected by the automatic stay. The bankruptcy court now has jurisdiction over these claims. What will become of them depends on the reorganization plan.
What did the Supreme Court rule about priests in Louisiana?
After the Louisiana Child Victims Act was passed in 2021, many religious leaders challenged the law in court, arguing it violated their constitutional rights.
In April 2024, the Louisiana Supreme Court originally struck down the Child Victims Act, finding that the law violated priests’ and religious institutions’ due process rights.
However, in June 2024, after the decision provoked public outrage, the Louisiana court reconsidered and reversed its decision to strike down the act. This reversal also ruled another law as constitutional, which the Louisiana legislature passed in May to extend the lookback window another three years to June 2027.
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