The Archdiocese of New Orleans has added 27 clergy members to its list of those credibly accused of sexual abuse, bringing the total to 106.
Among those added was Paul Hart, a former chaplain at Brother Martin High School. Attorney Rick Trahant says he was fined more than $400,000 after he tried to warn school leaders about Hart in 2022.
Trahant, who represents many survivors in the archdiocese bankruptcy case, was fined for violating a confidentiality order. The fine still stands.
Court records say that after learning of the allegations against Hart, Trahant “became concerned that the priest remained a threat to underage high school students.” Hart has since died.
“They’re about nothing but money, power, and greed,” Trahant said.
Trahant also challenged the archdiocese to give the money from his fine to survivors.
“I make that challenge. If you don’t want to give me my money back, like you can’t give me my reputation in the courts back. But if you don’t want to give me my money back, give it to the survivors,” he said. “If you don’t, you are showing your greed.”
Archbishop Checchio released a video addressing the updated list:
In a letter, the archbishop wrote that “no clergyman with a credible claim of abuse remains in ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.”
WDSU has reached out to the archdiocese and Brother Martin High School for comment on Trahant’s statements and is awaiting a response.
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READ MORE:Archdiocese adds 27 clergy to abuse list as attorney blasts $400,000 fine over priest warning
