Catholic Priest Resigns From Priesthood After Accusation of Affair With 17-Year-Old

A Roman Catholic priest in Alabama has stepped away from the clergy after a woman came forward with allegations that he entered into a years-long arrangement with her beginning when she was 17. The Birmingham diocese confirmed that Robert Sullivan’s request to leave the priesthood was approved late November, following a diocesan investigation and a formal complaint filed by the woman, Heather Jones.

Jones, now 33, submitted financial records, emails and a legal agreement to church officials, alleging that Sullivan provided her with substantial financial support in exchange for private companionship that included sexual encounters. She said the arrangement started shortly after they met at an adult club near Birmingham, where she was working despite being below the venue’s minimum age requirement. Jones said Sullivan initially introduced himself as a medical doctor and later proposed a long-term relationship that involved regular payments.

According to Jones, the encounters took place in several Alabama cities and continued for years. She described herself at the time as a vulnerable teenager who had grown up in foster care with limited adult guidance. In her statement, she explained that she agreed to Sullivan’s proposal because she was desperate and did not understand the power imbalance involved.

Bishop Steven Raica, head of the Birmingham diocese, said the church conducted a review of any potential financial misconduct and found no evidence linking the alleged payments to parish, school or diocesan funds. He acknowledged that the case had caused strain within the local church community.

Jones said she chose to speak out only after learning that Sullivan continued to hold prominent roles, including pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood and later a senior administrative position within the diocese. She said her concern was that others could face similar risks if the situation remained unaddressed.

Sullivan stepped away from public ministry in early August, soon after the complaint reached diocesan officials. The diocese subsequently notified the Vatican office that handles clergy misconduct cases. Sullivan later formally requested to be released from all obligations of the priesthood, and the Vatican approved his departure this week.

Jones has not commented on the final decision. Sullivan had served as a priest since his ordination in 1993.