Heather Jones, now 33, has spoken out after Robert Sullivan, a former Catholic priest in Alabama, resigned from the clergy following her allegations that he paid her for sex beginning when she was 17. Jones said there is 'no real winner in this situation' but expressed hope for 'healing, accountability and protection' for victims of abuse.
Jones alleged that she met Sullivan, then 61, while working as an exotic dancer at a club outside Birmingham, where she was employed despite being underage. She claimed Sullivan offered her financial support in exchange for 'private companionship' and sex, which she said continued for several years. Jones stated that Sullivan paid her hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep silent.
Jones filed a formal complaint with the Birmingham diocese in August, which was forwarded to the Vatican for investigation. Church officials said they found no evidence that church funds were used for the payments. Sullivan subsequently requested to be dispensed from his priestly obligations, a request granted by Pope Leo XIV on 22 November.
Jones said she decided to speak out because Sullivan continued to work with children as a pastor. She acknowledged the difficulty of coming forward, citing attempts to discredit her and hateful comments. However, she drew strength from other women who shared similar experiences with Sullivan.
No criminal charges have been brought against Sullivan. Alabama's law making it a felony for clergy to engage in sexual activity with under-19s was only enacted in spring 2024. Jones, however, faced a misdemeanour charge related to filing a lewd complaint, though details remain unclear.
