Former Louisiana priest pleads guilty to child molestation

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — A former priest in Louisiana has pleaded guilty to a child molestation charge.

The Daily Advertiser of Lafayette reported 76-year-old Michael Guidry pleaded guilty Wednesday at the St. Landry Parish courthouse.

The former pastor of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Morrow faces between five and 10 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.

Guidry surrendered to police last June, about two weeks after the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette announced allegations of sexual abuse had surfaced against him, He had been placed on administrative leave.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said last year his office launched an investigation when a male victim reported Guidry molested him.

The newspaper previously reported the male was 16 at the time of the assault at the priest's home.

___

Information from: The Advertiser, http://www.theadvertiser.com