Grady J. Estilette
Alleged Abuse: Accused of exploiting an adult man for sex who went to see him for a drug problem while in Gueydan in 2000
Where he is now: Deceased
In 2002, Grady Estilette was removed from St. Peter’s Church in Gueydan and sent out of state for treatment after admitting to using drugs, according to media reports at the time. Deputies say they questioned the priest after getting tips about suspicious behavior in and around the rectory. The diocese would eventually settle a lawsuit with a 33-year-old man who said Estilette exploited him for sex when he went to get help with his crack cocaine addiction. The victim filed his suit after the church sued him, accusing him of physically assaulting the priest and stealing money from the church. The victim said the priest would give him money for drugs in exchange for sexual favors; some of the drug deals actually happening on church property. The abuse started in 2000 and allegedly lasted two years.
Timeline:
1963: Ordained
1985-1988: Lafayette
1989-2002: St. Peter Church, Gueydan
2002: Abuse allegation made, sent to treatment
2004: Retired
2013: Deceased
(Timeline is incomplete because of missing records. According to his obituary he also was Associate Pastor at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Lake Charles; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ville Platte; St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas; and Pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lafayette.)
