News Summary
Mark Francis Ford, a former Louisiana state official and priest, was arrested for allegedly molesting a boy starting in 2004. The abuse was reported by an individual now 31 years old who suffers from significant health issues. Ford faces serious charges including first-degree rape and is currently awaiting extradition to New Orleans. This case emerges amidst ongoing scrutiny of clergy sexual abuse within the Church, which has seen several arrests related to such allegations.
Portage, Indiana – Former Louisiana state official and Roman Catholic priest Mark Francis Ford, 64, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly molesting a then 10-year-old boy starting in 2004. The arrest was made by federal agents in Portage based on a warrant issued by New Orleans police. Ford is facing serious charges, including first-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping, sexual battery, and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
As of Friday, Ford remains in custody in Portage without bail, awaiting extradition to New Orleans. The allegations come from an unnamed individual who is now 31 years old and has a degenerative spinal cord condition as well as autism. According to the alleged victim’s attorney, the abuse began when the victim was around 10 years old, while Ford was serving as a priest ministering to disabled children. It is reported that the abuse continued until approximately 2022 or 2023, after Ford had left the priesthood.
The allegations first came to light when the alleged victim reported the abuse to the New Orleans police in November, initiating a police investigation that involved several forensic interviews. Ford spent 16 years as a Catholic priest, during which time he served in various churches in New Orleans and worked with Native American communities. After leaving the priesthood, he transitioned to a position in state government.
In 2006, Ford was appointed assistant director of disability affairs by then-Governor Kathleen Blanco. He later became the director of Louisiana’s office of Indian affairs. This arrest is part of a broader context where at least five former clergymen have been arrested due to child sexual abuse allegations, coinciding with the New Orleans archdiocese’s ongoing scandal regarding clergy abuse and bankruptcy.
If convicted of first-degree rape, Ford faces a mandatory life sentence, while other charges could lead to significant prison time as well. The New Orleans archdiocese is currently dealing with a settlement for abuse survivors, amounting to $230 million amid ongoing legal proceedings related to these claims. Recently, Ford had also been involved with Feeding America, focusing on community engagement in Native and tribal communities.
As of now, neither the Vincentian order nor Feeding America has issued a statement regarding Ford’s arrest or the allegations against him. The investigation and judicial process are ongoing, with the alleged victim and their legal representation continuing to advocate for accountability.
The situation emphasizes ongoing concerns about sexual abuse within the Church and highlights the need for continued vigilance and support for survivors of such traumatic experiences. The implications of such allegations resonate deeply with affected communities, underscoring the pervasive issues of trust and safety that institutions must address moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Louisiana Former Priest Arrested
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
- WWL-TV: Ex-Louisiana Official Arrested
- Google Search: Louisiana priest arrested for sexual abuse
- NOLA: Two Men Jailed in September Killing
- Google Scholar: Louisiana sexual abuse cases
- ABC News: Hollywood Stars Remember Val Kilmer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: History of Sexual Abuse
- Inkl: King Charles to Meet Pope Leo
- Google News: Sexual Abuse Cases in the Church
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
