Our law firm is offering free, confidential evaluations of clergy sexual abuse claims involving priests of the Diocese of Lake Charles. We have been handling clergy abuse cases for decades and have the experience you need to seek justice for what happened to you. Contact us today at 954-641-2100 or send an email to find out your legal options.
Recent developments in Louisiana have changed the legal landscape for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy in the Diocese of Lake Charles. But strict filing deadlines will apply so don’t miss out on your chance for accountability and healing.
We are on the verge of a new law allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice for the lifetime of hurt and shame that is caused by abuse – even if the abuse occurred a long time ago.
In June 2021, a new law in Louisiana took effect that will allow people whose statute of limitations previously expired to file a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Lake Charles and any other entities responsible for childhood sexual abuse. This is true even if the sexual abuse took place decades ago.
A short “window” of time, as it is often called, will allow anyone sexually abused as a child in the Lake Charles Diocese to file lawsuits against their perpetrators and the institutions that protected and enabled the abusers, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. The “window” will only be open for a very limited time. Once the window has ended, many clergy sexual abuse claims will be forever barred.
This window also allows those abused by laymen, such as teachers, coaches, and volunteers, to bring claims as well.
Therefore, it is very important that you contact us today to determine your legal options against the Diocese of Lake Charles and anyone else who has hurt you.
Our lawyers are among the most experienced in the country in cases of clergy sexual abuse – and experience matters when bishops have the toughest lawyers in America working hard to protect their secrets.
Sexual abuse by any member of the clergy is an egregious breach of trust. Adam Horowitz is among the most experienced attorneys in the country in representing persons sexually abused by priests from the Catholic church and clergy of many other faiths. Since 2000, the lawyers of Horowitz Law have handled thousands of clergy sexual abuse cases involving various religious institutions, including Roman Catholic dioceses and religious orders nationwide. These cases have arisen in religious schools, churches/parishes, seminaries, religious counseling, retreats, schools, and other activities sponsored by religious institutions.
In these cases, the lawyers of Horowitz Law have often prevailed on complex issues involving statutes of limitations, the First Amendment, and the discovery of “confidential” records that the Catholic Church has tried to conceal for nearly a century in some cases. In fighting these battles, our attorneys have became very familiar with the church’s unique hierarchy, record-keeping policies, terminology, and defense tactics, and are often called upon by colleagues to consult on these matters.
Most importantly, we have become familiar with the unique challenges and needs of survivors of clergy sexual abuse – and their families – during the legal process. Your safety and well-being are always our first priority.
14 Catholic Clergy Accused Of Sexual Abuse In The Diocese of Lake Charles
Through our own investigative efforts, we have identified 14 Catholic priests and deacons assigned in the Diocese of Lake Charles who have been publicly accused of sexually abusing minors. We believe it to be the most comprehensive list of accused priests publicly available today. In many cases, the priests listed below were the subject of multiple allegations, or were moved to a new parish after allegations arose.
The accused clergy we have identified are:
- Fr. Juan Alers
- Fr. Mark Broussard
- Fr. Richard Chachere
- Fr. Kerry Guillory (Franciscan)
- Fr. Brennan Harris (Franciscan)
- Fr. Gregory Mosca (Benedictines)
- Fr. Edward Normanmtowicz (LaSalette Missionaries)
- Fr. Simon Palathingal (Salesians)
- Fr. Austin Park (Jesuits)
- Fr. Louis Perrault (Holy Ghost Fathers)
- Fr. Valerie Pullman
- Fr. Gerard Smit
- Fr. Charles Soileau
Horowitz Law represents victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 954-641-2100 to discuss your options today.