Alabama priest accused of paying minor for ‘private companionship’ barred from public ministry during investigation

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August 13, 2025

An Alabama priest has stepped away from his parish duties while church officials investigate allegations of sexual misconduct dating back more than a decade.

Rev. Robert Sullivan, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood, is barred from public ministry while the Diocese of Birmingham reviews claims that he entered into a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old in exchange for financial support. According to an article from The Guardian, the case has been forwarded to the Vatican for further review.

The woman at the center of the allegations, Heather Jones, is now 33 and has chosen to publicly identify herself, saying she hopes openness will lend credibility to her account. Jones told diocesan officials she came forward because Sullivan had continued working closely with families and children, and she feared others could be at risk.

Jones grew up in foster care after being removed from her mother’s custody because of severe neglect. She has said the lack of consistent adult guidance left her ill-prepared for stable work or education, and she eventually took a job as a dancer at an adult entertainment venue near Birmingham.

Jones alleges she met Sullivan at the venue when she was 17. She claims Sullivan, then a regular patron, offered financial assistance in exchange for what he called “private companionship,” which she says included sexual activity. She says their relationship included trips to several Alabama cities, shopping, dining, and hotel stays. Jones also alleges she initially believed Sullivan was a physician before learning he was a Catholic priest — a revelation she found difficult to reconcile with the church teachings she grew up with.

According to Jones, Sullivan made substantial payments to her during and after their relationship. She claims that between July 2024 and March 2025, he sent her nearly $120,000 through 125 Venmo transactions. In March 2025, she says she received two wire transfers totaling $273,000 from an attorney’s account in connection with a non-disclosure agreement. Jones told The Guardian she later sought an additional $100,000, calling the original NDA one-sided and inadequate, but her request was ignored.

Alabama law sets the age of consent at 16 and does not bar sexual relationships between clergy and adults under their spiritual care. Catholic canon law, however, considers sexual contact with anyone under 18 to be abusive. The diocese reported the matter to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which declined to investigate and offered Jones counseling services.

Sullivan, who has served more than 32 years in the priesthood, previously led John Carroll Catholic High School and was appointed a diocesan vicar general in 2021.

Jones submitted her written statement to the diocese in July 2025. On August 3, Sullivan told parishioners that Bishop Steven Raica had approved his request for personal leave after “prayer and reflection.” A week later, diocesan vicar general Kevin Bazzel was named temporary administrator of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Now a law student, Jones says she has chosen to break the NDA because she believes it would not hold up in court and feels a responsibility to speak out.

“Behind closed doors, his behavior toward me was not in alignment with the values he teaches,” she said in her statement to church officials.

A diocesan spokesperson has described the allegations as “unfortunate for all involved” and said both parties remain in their prayers while the investigation continues.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].