A Catholic priest from Louisiana has been arrested and charged with indecent behavior towards a child, according to an initial report by local authorities. The arrest of Korey LaVergne, who was the pastor at St Edward Catholic Church in Richard, Acadia Parish, occurred after a complaint was made by a fellow priest alleging that LaVergne had inappropriately touched a juvenile over the course of a year.
The allegations against LaVergne stem from multiple incidents allegedly taking place within the church premises, where he was also serving as a pastor. The accuser claimed to have been subjected to in-appropriate touching by LaVergne on numerous occasions, with the alleged abuse occurring since December last year.
LaVergne was initially jailed but managed to secure bail after posting $15,000. He had previously served as an official courier for the Lafayette diocese and attracted news headlines upon delivering a large number of documents related to sainthood proceedings for Charlene Richard, also known as the "Little Cajun Saint".
The priest's arrest comes at a sensitive time for the Lafayette diocese, which is currently facing financial implications from ongoing litigation. The diocese has reported an estimated loss of $88-162 million in potential losses.
This incident highlights concerns about clergy abuse and its long-lasting impact on victims, families, and communities. An investigation into LaVergne's actions continues, with authorities seeking to determine the extent of the alleged abuse and potential consequences for the accused priest.
The allegations against LaVergne stem from multiple incidents allegedly taking place within the church premises, where he was also serving as a pastor. The accuser claimed to have been subjected to in-appropriate touching by LaVergne on numerous occasions, with the alleged abuse occurring since December last year.
LaVergne was initially jailed but managed to secure bail after posting $15,000. He had previously served as an official courier for the Lafayette diocese and attracted news headlines upon delivering a large number of documents related to sainthood proceedings for Charlene Richard, also known as the "Little Cajun Saint".
The priest's arrest comes at a sensitive time for the Lafayette diocese, which is currently facing financial implications from ongoing litigation. The diocese has reported an estimated loss of $88-162 million in potential losses.
This incident highlights concerns about clergy abuse and its long-lasting impact on victims, families, and communities. An investigation into LaVergne's actions continues, with authorities seeking to determine the extent of the alleged abuse and potential consequences for the accused priest.