Father Harvey Fortier
Diocese of Alexandria
Ordained: 1955
Death: 1999
Settlement with Victim: 1995
Assignment History
- St. Joseph Church (Marksville, LA)
- St. Rita Church (Alexandria, LA)
- Christ the King (Simmesport, LA)
- Church of the Little Flower (Evergreen, LA)
- St. Joseph (Cheneyville, LA)
- St. Margaret (Homer, LA)
- Our Lady of Lourdes (Vidalia, LA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Harvey Fortier
In November 2018, the attorney general of Louisiana announced Fr. Harvey Fortier was one of four clerical members accused of sexually abusing minors in criminal complaints dating back to August 2018. According to the attorney general’s office, the complaint alleged Fr. Fortier abused a minor at Menard Catholic High School in Alexandria. More information about the incident is not publicly available.
A few months later, the Diocese of Alexandria included Fr. Fortier on its list of clergy members credibly accused of sexually abusing minors. According to the diocese’s list, Fr. Fortier’s file was reviewed, and it revealed at least two allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct—one in 1954 and another in 1994.
What We Know about Fr. Fortier’s 1954 Allegation
According to the Diocese of Alexandria, in 1954, Fr. Harvey Fortier allegedly abused a male minor. While more information about the nature of the abuse is not publicly available, the Permanent Review Board—which evaluates allegations of sexual abuse against clergy—determined the accusation was credible. It is also presently unclear if this accusation was the same one enumerated in the criminal complaint the attorney general received.
What We Know about Fr. Fortier’s 1994 Allegation
In 1994, the Diocese of Alexandria says Fr. Fortier allegedly abused another male minor. Much like the previous allegation, not much is known publicly about the nature of the abuse. However, the allegation was deemed credible, and the victim received a settlement in 1995. Again, it is unclear whether this accusation is the same one included in the criminal complaint sent to the attorney general.
Ordained May 28, 1955, Fr. Harvey Fortier served approximately 44 years. Fr. Fortier died in a car accident on December 10, 1999.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Louisiana, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Alexandria may now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.