Diocese of Lafayette places priest on leave after misconduct report

In Loreauville, the Diocese of Lafayette announced on Saturday that Rev. Barry Crochet is on administrative leave. The decision followed new allegations of misconduct against the priest, who serves at St. Joseph Catholic Church and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

The diocese stated that an anonymous source reported the incident to civil authorities. The alleged misconduct is described in the news release as stemming from an event that occurred several decades ago. The specific nature of the allegations has not been disclosed to the public.

The diocese confirmed that investigations are currently ongoing in the civil sector. However, officials did not identify which specific agency is leading the inquiry. The diocese also did not respond to requests for further details regarding the specific acts alleged against Crochet.

In a statement, the diocese said its prayers and concerns are with all parties involved. The release noted that every individual is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. It added that the diocese prioritizes the well-being of the community and the integrity of the investigation.

The diocese encourages anyone who experienced abuse or is aware of priestly misconduct to contact civil authorities. This guidance accompanies the current review of Crochet's case in the Acadiana region.

This development occurs as the Diocese of Lafayette faces a growing number of civil lawsuits. At least 13 suits were filed in 2025, with the most recent filed on December 17. The total number of pending lawsuits filed since June 2024 stands at approximately 50.

The Louisiana Supreme Court upheld a state law in June 2024. This law provides abuse survivors a three-year window to sue for damages, expiring on June 14, 2027. The court rejected the diocese's argument that the 2021 look-back law violated due process rights. Recent lawsuits filed in the 15th Judicial District involve allegations of abuse at churches and schools in Acadia, Vermilion, Cameron, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Iberia parishes. Two of the most recent suits allege abuse by former priest Gilbert Gauthe, who pleaded guilty to molesting 34 children in 1985 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.