Louisiana Catholic Priest Formally Charged with Child Sexual Abuse
A Roman Catholic priest in the Lafayette diocese of Louisiana has been formally charged with three counts of felony indecent behavior with a juvenile, reigniting concerns over clergy abuse scandals in the region. Korey LaVergne, aged 37, faces allegations involving a 15-year-old victim, with charges filed by the district attorney for Acadia parish.
Details of the Charges and Legal Proceedings
Court documents accuse LaVergne of committing lewd or lascivious acts upon the juvenile or in the minor's presence on or about January 1, 2024, with the intention of arousing sexual desires. The charges stem from a bill of information that outlines the alleged offenses. In March, LaVergne's attorneys filed a document indicating he waived his formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty in writing.
LaVergne was arrested in mid-January on the same three counts, posting a $15,000 bail within 90 minutes of being jailed, securing his release while the case proceeds. An initial investigative report obtained by the Guardian stated that authorities were informed LaVergne had inappropriately touched a child over a year, leading to his arrest. A pretrial hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 12 after standard court motions were filed.
Historical Context and Diocese Background
The Lafayette diocese holds a notorious place in the history of the US Catholic clergy abuse scandal, as it was effectively where the crisis began decades ago. Another priest from the same diocese, Gilbert Gauthe, pleaded guilty in 1985 to molesting several boys and served 10 years in prison. Gauthe continues to be named in civil lawsuits from victims seeking damages from the diocese.
LaVergne served as pastor at St Edward Catholic church in Richard, Louisiana. According to reports, another priest reported the allegations against LaVergne to authorities prior to his arrest, highlighting internal concerns within the church.
Legal Penalties and Support Resources
Under Louisiana law, indecent behavior with a juvenile is punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. The state defines the offense as any lewd act in the presence of a child under 17, including grooming through messages or texts. LaVergne faces these maximum penalties if convicted.
For those affected by similar issues, support is available through various hotlines. In the US, the Childhelp abuse hotline can be reached at 800-422-4453, and adult survivors can find resources at ascasupport.org. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support, and in Australia, organizations like Kids Helpline provide assistance.
Neither LaVergne nor his attorney responded to requests for comment regarding the formal charges, leaving the case to unfold in the courts as the community grapples with its implications.
