Robie Robichaux
Alleged Abuse: Accused of sex abuse in Iberia Parish in the 70’s and removed from his position in 2018 after victim reported it for the third time. No criminal charges filed, but New Iberia Police currently are investigating.
Where is he now: On Leave
Msgr. Robie Robichaux was removed from his position as Judicial Vicar in 2018 after at least two women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
KATC interviewed both women.
One said she was 17 or 18 years old in 1975 when she met Robichaux. He was a deacon, and she was a senior in high school. They met through the choir at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia.
The other said she was abused by Robichaux starting in 1979 when she was 16. She told us that she complained to the church at least three times over the years, but Robichaux continued to serve as a priest and even was promoted. After her most recent complaint, Robichaux was removed, and Bishop Douglas Deshotel acknowledged the church first learned of her complaints in 1994.
The investigation into these complaint is ongoing, and Robichaux’s name and photo have been removed from the Diocese website. In January 2019, the diocese announced that the abuse had been reported to the New Iberia Police Department.
Timeline:
1976: Ordained
1977: St. Genevieve, Lafayette
1979: St. Peter’s, New Iberia
80’s: St. Joseph’s, Iota
1988: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard
1989-1990: Graduate Studies
1994: Victim files a complaint with the diocese
1995-1997: Special assignment at St. Patrick Church, Lafayette
1999-2006: St. Mary Mother of the Church, Lafayette
2004: Victim re-files a complaint with the diocese
2008-2017: St. Leo the Great, Lafayette
2018: On Leave after victim files the complaint for the third time.
