On June 25, 2025, a New Orleans federal jury awarded $2.75 million in a case involving allegations of childhood clergy sexual abuse and institutional responsibility. In Lousteau v. Congregation of Holy Cross, Southern Province, Inc., the jury found in favor of the plaintiff, Mr. Lousteau, holding the Congregation accountable for its role in enabling and concealing abuse. This is the first jury verdict in a case relying on the look-back window, which revived claims related to childhood sexual abuse.
This verdict sends a clear message that institutions will be held accountable when they fail to protect children and vulnerable individuals. It demonstrates the power of a jury to recognize survivors’ pain and hold responsible parties to account.
If you have questions about this verdict or wish to discuss legal options in a similar matter, please feel free to contact us online or call 844-943-7626.
Other Clergy & Priest Abuse News
Louisiana’s childhood sexual abuse lookback window remains open through June 14, 2027, as the Archdiocese bankruptcy raises new questions about claims involving separate religious orders, including the Jesuits.
The documentary God As My Witness gives clergy sexual abuse survivors a voice while examining how attorneys investigated decades-old abuse, uncovered evidence, and pursued justice involving the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
A federal judge has approved a $305 million settlement in the New Orleans Archdiocese clergy sex abuse bankruptcy. This article explains what the settlement means, how Louisiana’s lookback law changed the case, and what survivors should know now.
Award-nominated documentary God As My Witness highlights clergy sexual abuse and the fight for justice.
A New Orleans clergy abuse trial verdict has demonstrated that justice is possible thanks to the Louisiana lookback law.
Over the past several months, our firm along with co-counsel, Johnny Denenea and Richard Trahant, on behalf of certain abuse survivors, has been holding the Archdiocese of New Orleans accountable by filing several motions to address concerns.
