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Lawyer Who Exposed Church Abuse Dies at 78
6 Feb
Summary
- Ray Mouton died at age 78 in suburban New Orleans.
- He was hired to defend a priest, uncovering widespread abuse.
- Mouton became a vital source for investigative journalists.
Ray Mouton, a Louisiana attorney instrumental in revealing systemic sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, passed away at 78 in suburban New Orleans. His path to becoming a key figure in exposing the crisis was marked by professional paradox.
In the 1980s, Mouton was hired by the diocese of Lafayette to defend a priest accused of raping children. While negotiating a plea deal, he uncovered evidence that the same diocese was protecting other abusive priests, a realization that deeply affected him.
This discovery transformed Mouton into a pivotal source for investigative journalists, notably aiding in the foundational reporting that exposed the broader scandal. His insights were crucial for subsequent investigations and media coverage of the crisis.
