Joseph J. Alexander
2019 Allegation: The Diocese of Lafayette released information regarding a new allegation that was reported to the diocese on January 28, 2019. The Diocese says the allegation accuses Alexander of sexually abusing a minor while assigned as a priest at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice. Alexander served at Saint Anthony Parish from September 9, 1988 to April 12, 2002.
Alleged Abuse: Removed from his position after an allegation from the 1960’s surfaced out of Kentucky. Remains on leave from the diocese since 2002. No criminal charges were filed.
Where is he now: Unknown
In 2002, Joseph Alexander was removed as pastor at St. Anthony’s Church in Eunice after he was accused of molesting a child 40 years prior.
According to a report that year by The Advocate, then-Bishop Edward O’Donnell said that Alexander acknowledged his involvement, and thus the priest was removed.
The allegation involved a teenage boy in Kentucky, at a time in the 1960s when Alexander was a Benedictine brother there. The bishop said no allegations had been made regarding any incidents in Louisiana; Alexander came to the Lafayette Diocese in 1984.
Alexander was the first African-American priest to serve in the predominantly white parish.
Timeline:
1955 – 1973: St. Mark’s Monastery, South Union, KY
1973: Ordained
1984-1988: Our Lady of Wisdom, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette
1985 – 1987: St. Thomas More High School Lafayette, Teacher
1987-1988: Holy Rosary Institute Lafayette, Principal
1988-2002: St. Anthony Church of Padua Eunice, Pastor
April 2002 : St. Edmund Catholic School Eunice, Chancellor
April 2002: Removed from post and put “on leave”
