and last updated 2021-06-23 18:56:03-04
The St. Martin Sheriff's Office has a detective assigned to investigate allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Yesterday, the Diocese confirmed that Deacon Shawn Jude Gautreaux of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge had been placed on leave following allegations of abuse that dated back before he became a deacon.
After issuing public records requests to St. Martin Parish law enforcement, KATC learned that it was the St. Martin Sheriff's Office that is investigating the case.
SNAP, the Survivor's Network, issued a statement on the investigation.
"It is what the Diocese of Lafayette is not sharing that concerns us. Our view is that vital information is disclosed about how long Deacon Gautreaux has served at St. Bernard Parish? Important information relating to his ordination date, programs, or committees he participated in is vital to informing the parish community and the community as a whole," a release from SNAP states. "We hope the Diocese of Lafayette keeps to its word by committing to cooperation with investigative authorities. We also encourage anyone who may have information or who may have been abused themselves to make a report to law enforcement."