Clergyman in Alabama accused of inappropriate sexual behavior and questionable financial dealings, currently on temporary leave.

The Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, has launched an investigation into Father Robert Sullivan, the vicar general of the diocese, following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a woman who was a minor in 2009.

Father Sullivan, who is also the diocesan judicial vicar, has been removed from ministry and cannot publicly present himself as a priest, according to Donald Carson, communications director for the Diocese of Birmingham. It is unclear if he can wear his clerical collar.

The allegations were made public by The Guardian on Aug. 13, 2023. Heather Jones, the woman who made the allegations, claimed that Father Sullivan engaged in a sexual and financial relationship with her that began when she was 17. Bank records provided to The Guardian showed Jones received two transactions totaling $273,000 after being notified in a March 27 message from Father Sullivan's email account at Our Lady of Sorrows. In addition, Jones received close to $120,000 spanning some 125 transactions between July 2024 and March 2025 from a Venmo account in Father Sullivan's name.

Bishop Steven J. Raica of Birmingham confirmed that the diocesan victims assistance coordinator received Jones' statement in late July. The diocesan review board, a consultative body required in each diocese to assess claims of sexual abuse, was presented with the allegation under the terms of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."

Bishop Raica stated that the initial work of any investigation does not lead to a definitive determination, and anyone accused in the Church has a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. The Birmingham diocesan review board consists of attorneys, professionals in psychology and child welfare, and lay members of the community.

Carson mentioned that the diocese has a rigorous program of audits for parishes and schools, and an investigation of finances over the period of time will likely occur. He assured that there is no evidence of financial misappropriation at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in connection with the funds.

Father Kevin Bazzel, the diocesan judicial vicar appointed as the parish's administrator, stated that allegations are taken seriously and given deliberate consideration according to Church and Diocesan policy and protocol.

The age of consent in Alabama is 16, but the state does not have an explicit law against consensual sexual relationships between religious leaders and adults whom they counsel or guide. Bishop Raica announced that the matter will be reported to the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, as per canon law, for any allegation involving a person under 18 and a member of the clergy.

Dr. Melanie Willoughby, the chairman of the Diocesan Council for Victim Assistance in the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, has been providing appropriate support to the woman who brought forth the allegations. The diocesan victims assistance coordinator has continued to be in contact with her.

Father Sullivan is still a diocesan priest, but he cannot hear confession or publicly celebrate Mass due to a personal leave of absence with restrictions on his faculties. Father Sullivan is not in an institution or assisting with pastoral care.

This is a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Clergyman in Alabama accused of inappropriate sexual behavior and questionable financial dealings, currently on temporary leave.