Summary
Richard Trahant, a New Orleans attorney representing victims of clerical sexual abuse, faces a $400,000 fine for alerting a high school about a priest’s past misconduct. The fine follows a federal judge’s ruling that Trahant violated confidentiality rules related to the local archdiocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The case centers on priest Paul Hart, accused of inappropriate conduct with a minor in the 1990s. Trahant’s notification to the school led to Hart’s retirement, but also resulted in legal consequences for Trahant.
Key Points
- Richard Trahant fined $400,000 for violating confidentiality in a bankruptcy case involving the local archdiocese.
- The case involves Paul Hart, a priest accused of misconduct with a minor in the 1990s.
- Trahant alerted a high school about Hart’s past, leading to Hart’s retirement.
- The judge ruled that Trahant’s actions breached confidentiality rules and imposed a significant fine.
- Trahant plans to appeal, asserting he acted appropriately in alerting the school.
