Attorney Kristi Schubert was featured in a recent Gallup Independent (Gallup, New Mexico) news article: “Former Gallup Priest Arrested for Alleged Sex Abuse,” written by Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola.
“A former Catholic priest who served in Diocese of Gallup parishes in the western region of the Navajo Nation has been arrested in Indiana and jailed on sex abuse charges. Mark Francis Ford, 64, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Portage, Indiana, Sept. 25, on a warrant obtained by the New Orleans Police Department.”
“Ford, a resident of Portage, a city about 40 miles southeast of Chicago, is currently an inmate in the Porter County Jail, awaiting extradition to Louisiana, according to Brian Fair, Deputy U.S. Marshal, Eastern District of Louisiana, in a phone interview Thursday Ford is a former Vincentian religious order priest who left the priesthood. Fair confirmed Ford faces felony charges of four counts of first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, two counts of sexual battery, and two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.”
“In a telephone interview Thursday, Kristin S. Schubert, the New Orleans attorney representing Ford’s alleged victim, said her client went to the New Orleans Police Department with his allegations in 2024. He then participated in ‘multiple forensic interviews’ before police obtained the arrest warrant last month, she said.”
“Schubert, who confirmed she is planning to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of her client, said she is not aware of any other alleged victims of Ford, but she added others may have come forward to the police since Ford’s arrest.”
“‘I would certainly urge any other people who have been abused by Ford to come forward,’ Schubert said. ‘They could be an invaluable part in insuring he’s held accountable.'”
If a pastor, priest, rabbi, or other faith-based leader has sexually abused you or someone you love, please contact Lamothe Law Firm today to schedule a confidential meeting. Because of our experience with these cases, we understand the need for sensitivity and compassion.
