Louisiana diocese releases names of clerics accused of abuse

The Catholic diocese for southwest Louisiana has released information about 12 clerics who officials say were credibly accused of sexual abuse. Three were accused of abuse in Texas and one in Puerto Rico.

Lake Charles Bishop Glen John Provost says in a video message that as far as he knows, the diocese has acted on every report.

He notes in a letter that some names may also be on the Lafayette diocese’s list, because the Lake Charles diocese was created from it in 1980.

Lafayette Bishop Douglas Deshotel has said he’ll release that list Friday. News outlets report that it will describe 33 priests and four deacons.

In the Lafayette diocese, Gilbert Gauthe (go-THAY) became the first priest publicly accused of sexual abuse. He pleaded guilty in 1985 to abusing 11 boys.

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This story has been corrected to show three clerics, not two, were accused in Texas.