JEANERETTE, La. (AP) — A Catholic diocese in Louisiana has suspended a pastor accused of "improper behavior with minors" and referred his case to law enforcement.

The Daily Advertiser reports Father Jody J. Simoneaux of Jeanerette has been placed on administrative leave. A diocese statement says the allegations against St. John the Evangelist Church pastor involve incidents that happened decades ago when Simoneaux was assigned to St. Anthony Church and St. Edmund High School in Eunice and St. Anne Church in Youngsville.

The diocese says it's cooperating with law enforcement. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office said Wednesday the diocese isn't aware of any victims living within the parish and that it was notified out of caution.

It's unclear if Simoneaux has a lawyer.

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

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The Diocese of Lafayette announces Reverend Jody Simoneaux is on administrative leave because he allegedly engaged in improper behavior with minors while assigned to churches in Eunice and Youngsville 30 years ago.

Jody Simoneaux, KATC
Jody Simoneaux, KATC
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Simoneaux has been serving as a pastor at St. Jones the Evangelist Church in Jeanerette.

The Diocese says the allegations have been turned over to law enforcement.

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