Lawsuit Accuses New Orleans Archbishop Aymond of Covering Up Clergy Sexual Abuse

Lawsuit Alleges Direct Involvement in Clergy Abuse Cover-Up

A new civil lawsuit filed in federal bankruptcy court has made the most direct legal accusations yet against Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, alleging he knowingly concealed sexual abuse by priests and deacons in the years leading up to a multimillion-dollar bond sale. The suit, filed by Argent Institutional Trust Co., the trustee representing investors who purchased $41 million in church bond debt in 2017, claims that Aymond, Vicar General Pat Williams, and over 100 Catholic church affiliates deliberately withheld information about the full scope of child sexual abuse within the archdiocese.

This latest legal action does not come from a survivor of abuse, but rather from attorneys representing investors, signaling a widening scope of legal consequences beyond the Church’s internal investigations and bankruptcy proceedings.

Church Denies Allegations, Calls Them Unfounded

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and lacking factual support. In a public statement, a spokesperson said the claims made by Argent are “based on third-hand reports and assumptions with no facts to substantiate them.”

However, the court filing includes evidence and reporting from WWL Louisiana and The Guardian, which uncovered that only about one-quarter of the 310 alleged abusers named in claims tied to the bankruptcy case had been officially acknowledged on Aymond’s list of “credibly accused clergy.”

Evidence Suggests Aymond Knew of Abusers Long Before Disclosure

The lawsuit highlights a pattern of concealment, citing multiple news investigations and leaked documents. Notably, it references an email from 2011 in which Aymond was informed of sexual abuse allegations against Father Lawrence Hecker—yet the public was not notified until seven years later. Hecker, shortly before his death, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a minor.

Additionally, state police search warrants revealed that there was probable cause to believe the archdiocese had known about widespread abuse for decades and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit argues that Aymond and Williams violated a 1993 Church policy requiring the reporting of all known abuse to law enforcement and child protective services.

Financial Fallout and Bankruptcy Complications

Argent’s lawsuit raises serious financial implications as well. Under a proposed bankruptcy settlement plan, survivors of abuse would receive $180M–$235M—far below the total estimated value of their claims. Meanwhile, the plan allows guaranteed full pension benefits for all non-accused priests, including Aymond and Williams.

The suit accuses the archdiocese of committing securities fraud by failing to disclose the extent of clergy abuse before the 2017 bond sale, arguing that investors are now poised to lose over $9.3 million in expected interest payments. Argent is seeking a ruling that would prioritize repayment to bondholders before any retirement benefits are paid to clergy or investments are released to parishes and affiliates.

Survivors Continue to Seek Accountability and Transparency

This case underscores how deep institutional cover-ups can impact not only survivors but also the broader public, including financial stakeholders. The bankruptcy vote by abuse survivors, due by October 29, could play a pivotal role in shaping both the future of the archdiocese and the recovery of justice for those harmed.

Legal Help for Survivors of Clergy Abuse in New York

At Survivors of Abuse NY, we understand how devastating it is to learn that trusted religious leaders may have played a role in hiding or enabling abuse. Whether you’re a survivor or a family member seeking justice, our legal team—led by Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY—is here to help.

We represent victims of clergy abuse throughout New York and provide:

• Confidential consultations

• Legal support navigating civil lawsuits

• Advocacy in high-profile and institutional abuse cases

Contact Survivors of Abuse NY Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, do not stay silent. You have the right to pursue justice. Contact (646) 413-6394 to speak with Thomas Giuffra, Esq. and begin your path toward healing and accountability.

Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/new-orleans-archbishop-child-sex-abuse-lawsuit