Arrest of priest for indecent behavior with a child reignites scandal in Louisiana diocese

Korey LaVergne, 37, was arrested on Friday evening on three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, according to officials in Acadia parish. LaVergne had presided over mass at St Edward church in Richard, where he was assigned as pastor by the Lafayette diocese, hours before his arrest. The priest was jailed and later released on $15,000 bail, securing his release pending the outcome of the case.

Authorities have not yet disclosed specific details about the allegations against LaVergne. Sheriff KP Gibson stated that his office plans to issue a news release as the investigation progresses. A spokesperson for the Lafayette diocese confirmed that LaVergne’s arrest followed a report of “possible misconduct by [the] cleric” but provided no further information. The diocese expressed its commitment to assisting law enforcement and requested prayers for all involved.

LaVergne’s arrest has raised concerns within the diocese, which is currently navigating significant financial and reputational challenges. In a November financial report, the diocese disclosed a potential loss range of $88,187,500 to $162,450,000 from pending litigation. This estimate was provided by legal counsel following a review of the claims.

Prior to his arrest, LaVergne served as the diocese’s official courier, a role that brought him into the public eye for delivering thousands of pages of documents to the Vatican regarding the cause for sainthood of Charlene Richard, a young girl who died from acute lymphatic leukemia in 1959. Her story, marked by her willingness to offer her suffering to God, has been a source of inspiration for many.

The Lafayette diocese, established in 1918, serves a congregation of approximately 150,000 Catholics. The recent arrest of a clergy member adds to a history of scrutiny and legal challenges the diocese has faced. The incident underscores the ongoing need for accountability and transparency within religious institutions.

The case highlights the complex interplay between faith and the legal system, emphasizing the importance of protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice. As the investigation unfolds, the diocese remains committed to supporting law enforcement and addressing the needs of those affected.

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