New Orleans Catholic High School Agrees to Second Payout Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse by Janitor

In a recent development, a Catholic high school in New Orleans has agreed to a second out-of-court settlement related to accusations of child sexual abuse. This settlement resolves a lawsuit linked to allegations of molestation by a former janitor at the school, dating back several decades. The agreement was reached ahead of a scheduled trial in the city’s civil district courthouse, as noted in legal filings from July 27.

This settlement follows a previous agreement involving the same janitor, who, along with a colleague, was accused of similar misconduct. The attorney for the plaintiffs, Richard Trahant, declined to comment on the settlement’s specifics, though it is known to exceed a $2.4 million verdict from a separate Louisiana case in 2025.

The ongoing legal actions are part of a broader clergy abuse scandal that led the New Orleans archdiocese to file for bankruptcy protection in 2020. While the archdiocese has agreed to a $305 million settlement with hundreds of abuse survivors, the cases related to this high school are not directly tied to that bankruptcy.

The plaintiff, using the pseudonym Jayson Doe, recounted his experiences beginning at age 13 when he was admitted to the school in 1978. Doe described how the janitor, Pete Modica, who was also a former professional baseball player, had gained his father’s trust, which allegedly facilitated his admission to the prestigious institution.

As these legal proceedings unfold, they highlight the importance of accountability and justice, echoing the biblical call to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The community continues to grapple with these painful revelations, seeking healing and resolution for all affected.

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