Case Explained: Acadia Parish Priest Arrested on Child Sex Crime Accusations – Legal Perspective

ACADIA PARISH, La. (KMDL-FM) – An Acadia Parish priest was taken into custody last week on serious charges related to alleged sex crimes involving minors, law enforcement confirmed.

Details of the Arrest

Father Korey Lavergne, 37, who serves as the pastor at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard, Louisiana, was arrested Friday following an investigation by the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lavergne was booked on three counts linked to child sex crimes, according to KATC.com.

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Lavergne has since been released on bond, though the amount of the bond is not yet known at this time.

Authorities have not released specifics about the alleged acts, and the case remains under active investigation.

Diocese of Lafayette Response and Statement

The Diocese of Lafayette acknowledged that it was notified of the arrest by law enforcement and confirmed Lavergne’s status as pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church. In a statement officials said they will continue to cooperate with authorities and have asked for prayers for all those affected by the situation.

From the Diocese statement via KATC –

“The Diocese was informed that the Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation and that an arrest was made earlier today of Father Korey Lavergne, pastor of Saint Edward Church in Richard. The Diocese will continue to assist law enforcement and requests prayers for all who are involved.”

St. Edward Church is well known in Acadiana as the Parish associated with Charlene Richard, often referred to as the “Little Cajun Saint” where Lavergne has been heavily involved in working with the Vatican to get Charlene Richard officially canonized as a Saint.

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This remains an ongoing investigation. Read more at KATC.com.