Ex-Catholic Priest and Former Louisiana Government Official Accused of Raping Disabled Autistic Child
A Disturbing Allegation Surface After Nearly 20 Years
The accuser, who suffers from a degenerative spinal cord condition requiring occasional wheelchair use and is legally considered a minor due to his autism spectrum diagnosis and permanent tutorship by his mother, revealed the abuse only recently. He alleged that Ford began abusing him in 2004, when he was just 10 years old, after meeting Ford through a church-run program for children with disabilities.
Law enforcement and prosecutors have been conducting multiple forensic interviews with the victim, culminating in charges against Ford that include:
- First-degree rape
- Second-degree kidnapping
- Sexual battery
- Indecent behavior with a juvenile
If convicted, Ford could face life imprisonment, and additional sentences could be added for the other charges.
From Clergy to Government Service
Ford’s career path followed a notable trajectory. He spent 16 years in the Catholic priesthood, working with indigenous communities on Arizona reservations before later serving two churches in New Orleans. His biography published by the American Indian Center highlights this period of his life.
After leaving the priesthood, Ford transitioned into public service roles in Louisiana. He served as the assistant director of disability affairs under Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco starting in 2006, focusing on helping disabled citizens access resources in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath.
In 2008, Ford was appointed director of Louisiana’s office of Indian affairs by Republican Governor Bobby Jindal. His responsibilities included supporting the state’s indigenous tribes as they recovered from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Most recently, Ford worked as the director of community engagement for native and tribal communities at the non-profit Feeding America.
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Law Enforcement Coordination and Legal Proceedings
Ford’s arrest in Indiana required extensive coordination across several law enforcement agencies to facilitate his extradition to New Orleans. His attorney, Kristi Schubert, has confirmed the victim underwent numerous forensic interviews before charges were filed.
The ongoing investigation is part of a wider scrutiny of the Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases. The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for federal bankruptcy protection in 2020 amid a scandal involving shielding clergy predators, which led to a proposed settlement of $230 million to abuse survivors — a sum still pending approval from those affected.
“The allegations against Mr. Ford are both tragic and deeply concerning, especially considering the vulnerability of the victim,” said attorney Kristi Schubert, highlighting the long wait for justice.
What This Means for the Community and Future Cases
The arrest of a former priest and government official on such grave charges brings renewed attention to safeguarding vulnerable populations. It also raises important questions about institutional oversight and protections for individuals with disabilities.
Key points from this case include:
- The need for vigilance in child protection programs, especially those involving disabled and autistic children.
- The importance of inter-agency cooperation in cases spanning multiple states.
- Ongoing accountability and transparency demands for both religious and government institutions.
This case underlines the critical need for robust systems that prevent abuse and ensure perpetrators are held accountable, no matter their position or power.
For more detailed coverage, you can visit the full report from the New York Post here.
What do you think about this case? Have you or someone you know been impacted by abuse in institutional settings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!