Survivors of clergy sex abuse want accountability following Priest released on house arrest
The release of a priest convicted of molesting a teenage boy is raising questions for the judicial system and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Guidry is out on bail tonight.
One-year-ago this week, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with three years suspended, after pleading guilty to molestation of a juvenile.
According to court records, Guidry's defense counsel, Jane Hogan, requested an emergency appeal hearing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidry's attorney appeared before the court through video conference and waived her defendant's appearance. Guidry's defense then submitted an emergency motion for bail, which the court granted and set at $10,000 over objections from state prosecutors.
Survivors of clergy sex abuse want accountability.
"This perp is a dangerous perpetrator and what does that say to the individual he sexually abused? I don't care how long ago it was," said Kevin Bourgeois.
He's a survivor of clergy sex abuse and a volunteer leader of the Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests in New Orleans. Bourgeois is disturbed that convicted priest Michael Guidry is out on house arrest.
"What that does is send a message to survivors who had the courage to come forward that their life is not as important as this sex offender's life is," Bourgeois said.
Prosecutors objected to Guidry's release.
"It's highly unusual that a convicted felon for child molestation would be given house arrest pending an appeal," said Tommy Guilbeau.
Guilbeau, a criminal defense attorney who is not representing Guidry said although the release is unusual, he thinks the judge made the right call given the pande...
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director