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Photo: Holy Cross School, New Orleans, the school ran by the Holy Cross Order; via Wikipedia.
In a groundbreaking decision, a federal jury in New Orleans has awarded nearly $2.4 million in damages to a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, marking one of the largest jury verdicts in Louisiana for abuse that occurred decades ago, The Guardian reported. The award was granted to John Lousteau, 68, who testified that he was molested in the late 1960s by Stanley Repucci, the director of a boys’ summer camp run by the Holy Cross religious order at its school in New Orleans.
The three-day trial concluded on June 25 with a unanimous jury finding that Repucci had molested Lousteau as a child and that the Holy Cross order—Repucci’s employer at the time—was liable for the harm he suffered. Lousteau’s lawsuit alleged that the abuse left him with lifelong trauma, including addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. He described the long aftermath of his abuse as a “dumpster-fire trainwreck of a life.”
Although Holy Cross officials initially acknowledged his claims as “credible” and offered counseling, Lousteau said the order failed to follow through and ultimately ignored his attorney’s outreach. Attorneys for the Holy Cross order argued during trial that Lousteau had not done enough to minimize the long-term effects of his abuse, but the jury found otherwise.
This verdict is especially significant in light of Louisiana’s recently upheld law that allows survivors to pursue civil damages for child sexual abuse no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. The law was challenged and briefly struck down as unconstitutional by a federal judge, but in 2024, Louisiana’s Supreme Court reversed that decision, reaffirming the rights of survivors like Lousteau to seek justice regardless of when the abuse happened.
The outcome of Lousteau’s case could have major implications for hundreds of survivors with claims against the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Although Lousteau’s lawsuit was not filed against the archdiocese, the timing of the verdict comes as the Archdiocese attempts to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Under its proposed reorganization plan, the Archdiocese is offering abuse survivors an average payout of under $400,000—less than 17% of what Lousteau was awarded. Attorneys representing hundreds of those survivors oppose the settlement and are expected to push back when a vote takes place in September.
The Holy Cross order has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the verdict. A spokesperson said the organization is “evaluating its options moving forward.” Post-trial motions are still possible, and attorneys for Lousteau have not publicly commented on the outcome.
As more survivors come forward under expanded legal protections, Lousteau’s victory may serve as a bellwether case.
Are You A Survivor of Clergy Abuse?
If you or someone you love is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, you may still have time to seek justice. A growing number of states are expanding legal protections for survivors, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. To learn more about your rights, your options, and how to take the next step, visit our in-depth legal guide on Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits.
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