Null / ElenaR/ShutterstockWashington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 8, 2022 / 15:40 pm (CNA).A suspended Archdiocese of New Orleans priest who is facing rape charges could now be facing additional federal charges for financial malfeasance after a court document revealed that he allegedly pocketed almost $400,000 in parishioner donations, The Guardian reported. An ongoing 2021 lawsuit accuses 62-year-old Father John Asare-Dankwah of raping a 10-year-old boy while out of state on a 2008 retreat. Asare-Dankwah, who was the pastor at St. Peter Claver parish in New Orleans for approximately seven years before his January 2021 suspension, has denied the rape accusations. He has since counter-sued for defamation. Asare-Dankwah is from the West African country of Ghana.The court document was an archdiocesan financial audit showing irregularities in the priest s spending habits while at St. Peter Claver, The Guardian reported. That audit, completed in August 2021.
NOPD confirms rape investigation involving Catholic priest named in lawsuit
The probe follows a November complaint against Rev. John Asare-Dankwah Share Updated: 6:19 PM CST Feb 1, 2021
The probe follows a November complaint against Rev. John Asare-Dankwah Share Updated: 6:19 PM CST Feb 1, 2021
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Show Transcript INVOLVING IN NEW ORLEANS PRIEST NAMED IN A LAWSUIT THAT SAYS THAT HE RAPED AND BEAT A 10 YEAR OLD BOY CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER GREG LAROSE TELLS US THE NOPD CONFIRMED TO WDSU TODAY THAT IT IS INVESTIGATING CLAIMS AGAINST FATHER JOHN A SARI DONKWA. WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE ALLEGATIONS WAS DETAILED IN A LAWSUIT FILED LAST WEEK. THE PLAINTIFF SAYS FATHER JOHN ASARI DANKWA RAPED AND BEAT HIM 13 YEARS AGO DURING A RELIGIOUS RETREAT IN ALABAMA THE NOPD CONFIRMS THE ALLEGED VICTIM CONTACTED POLICE LAST NOVEMBER WE’VE OBTAINED THAT POLICE REPORT AND IT RAISES MORE QUESTIONS. THE POLICE REPORT DOESN’T MENTION ASARI’S NAME OR