The FBI has opened an extensive investigation of Catholic Church clergy sex abuse in New Orleans. According to WWL-TV’s reporter David Hammer, this “FBI Investigation into New Orleans Clergy Abuse Could Revitalize Old Cases”. The particular focus of the probe is on priests who took children over state lines in order to molest them. Taking children out of state triggers the federal Mann Act, which has no statute of limitations. These priests can be prosecuted criminally for these crimes even if this abuse happened decades ago.
Federal investigators are considering whether to pursue access to internal Catholic Church documents that may document abuse claims. These documents might also shed light on whether church leaders moved problem priests to other parishes and did not report their crimes to law enforcement or to the church community.
The trial lawyers at Lamothe Law Firm have substantial experience pursuing civil litigation claims and are passionate about finding justice and the best possible results for the victims. If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a child by clergy, please contact us today for a confidential meeting to discuss your claim.