Diocese where clergy abuse first made public to release list

NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Catholic diocese where the first widely reported case of clergy sex abuse became public in the 1980s is releasing a list of clergy who face credible accusations of sexual abuse.

Bishop Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana has said he'll release the list Friday. The names of 33 priests and four deacons are on the list.

Other Louisiana dioceses have reported about 150 priests, deacons and other clerics. There may be some overlap, since the Lake Charles diocese was carved out of the Lafayette diocese in 1980.

The Lafayette Diocese employed the first widely known abuser, Gilbert Gauthe. He pleaded guilty in 1985 to abusing 11 boys and testified that he'd abused dozens while serving at four churches in the diocese.

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  This photo provided by Caddo Sheriff's Office shows former Catholic priest Gilbert Gauthe. The Lafayette Diocese employed the first widely known abuser, Gauthe, who pleaded guilty in 1985 to abusing 11 boys and testified that he had abused dozens while serving at four churches in the diocese. (Caddo Sheriff's Office via AP)