GONZALES – The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge said it has informed civil authorities of an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a local priest, but its own internal inquiry has not substantiated the allegations.

In a statement late Saturday, the Diocese released not only the name of the priest – identified Fr. Eric Gyan of St. Theresa Avila Parish in Gonzales – but also the allegation: misconduct that allegedly occurred in 1996.

The Diocese said the woman, now in her thirties, wrote to the Catholic church of misconduct by Fr. Gyan when she was a minor. At the time, the woman said, Fr. Gyan was pastor of a parish in Brusly.

The Diocese said it is the only such complaint ever received against Fr. Gyan.

A special victim assistance coordinator has been in touch with the woman, the Diocese said, and has offered assistance.

Catholic Church rules require non-clergy conduct an investigation, which was done in this case, the Diocese said. An investigation continues as of Saturday evening, though, “to this point has not yielded any cause to remove Fr. Gyan from his current pastoral service,” the statement from the Church advised.

Fr. Gyan has “categorically denied the allegation,” a spokesperson for the Church wrote.

“The diocese takes such allegations very seriously. If anyone has information that can assist the diocese concerning this matter, please contact Mrs. Amy Cordon in the diocesan Victim Assistance Office at 225-242-0250.”

CLICK HERE to read the report from the Church. 

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