Alabama priests have stepped away from their roles as church officials look into allegations of sexual misconduct that stretch back over a decade.
Rev. Robert Sullivan, the pastor of Our Lady of Grief Catholic Church in Homewood, is currently barred from public ministry. The Birmingham Diocese is investigating claims that he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old in exchange for financial support. The Guardian reported that this case has been forwarded to the Vatican for further examination.
Heather Jones, now 33, is the woman behind these allegations and has opted to make her identity public in hopes of validating her claims. She approached church officials because Sullivan continued to maintain close ties with her family and children.
Jones’s background is particularly challenging—she grew up in foster care after facing severe neglect from her mother. At one point, she ended up working as a dancer at an adult entertainment venue near Birmingham, which left her unprepared for a stable career or educational path.
She asserts that she met Sullivan at this venue when she was just 17. According to her, Sullivan offered financial assistance in exchange for what he referred to as “private dating.” Their relationship allegedly involved trips to various cities in Alabama, shopping, dining out, and hotel stays. At the time, Jones believed Sullivan was a doctor until she discovered he was a Catholic priest.
Jones claims Sullivan provided her with considerable sums of money throughout their relationship. Between July 2024 and March 2025 alone, he is said to have transferred nearly $120,000 through 125 Venmo transactions. In March 2025, she received two wire transfers amounting to $273,000 related to a private agreement. She later labeled the original non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as one-sided and sought an additional $100,000, but this request was overlooked.
While Alabama law permits sexual relations with individuals above the age of consent, which is set at 16, it does not prevent clergy from having such relations with adults under their care. However, under Catholic Canon Law, sexual contact with minors under 18 is considered abusive. The situation was reported to the Alabama Department of Personnel, and appropriate services were offered to Jones.
Having served in the priesthood for over 32 years, Sullivan previously directed John Carroll Catholic High School and became the parish pastor in 2021.
Jones submitted a formal statement to the church in July 2025. On August 3, Sullivan informed parishioners that Bishop Stephen Leica had granted him personal leave following “prayer and reflection.” Soon after, General Kevin Batzel was appointed as the temporary administrator of Our Lady of Grief.
Now enrolled in law school, Jones decided to break her NDA, feeling she wouldn’t prevail in court and believing that it was her duty to speak out.
“In a closed room, his actions towards me were not in line with the values he taught,” she stated to church officials.
A spokesman for the parish expressed that the allegations are “unfortunate for all involved” and noted that all parties are in prayer as the investigation progresses.
