Investigation Launched Against Birmingham Priest Over Allegations

Birmingham, August 14, 2025

News Summary

Father Robert Sullivan, a 61-year-old priest from the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, is on personal leave amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Heather Jones claims that their relationship began when she was just 17, and has provided evidence to support her allegations. The diocese reported the claims to the Vatican and is working with an independent review board to ensure a thorough investigation, while Sullivan has been prohibited from public ministry during this time.

Birmingham – Father Robert Sullivan, a 61-year-old priest and vicar general for the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, is currently on personal leave while an investigation is underway concerning allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. These allegations involve Heather Jones, who is now 33 years old, but was 17 at the time their alleged relationship began.

The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham received the allegations in July 2024 and subsequently referred the matter to the Vatican as well as the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) since Jones was a minor at that time. However, a review by the DHR concluded that the claims did not warrant an official investigation.

According to Jones, she met Sullivan in an adult club in 2009 where he was a patron. She alleges that he extended financial support to her in exchange for companionship and sexual relations. Notably, Jones claims that Sullivan offered more than $200,000 to have her sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) regarding their relationship.

The allegations gained public attention when Sullivan continued his duties with families and children, prompting Jones to voice her concerns about the potential risk of similar situations to other minors. In support of her claims, Jones has provided The Guardian with statements, bank records, emails, and details of various transactions.

Sullivan officially announced his personal leave on August 2, 2024, indicating that it was authorized by Bishop Steven Raica after a period of “prayer and reflection.” During the ongoing investigation, Sullivan has been prohibited from public ministry to ensure the safety and trust of the community.

Heather Jones also spoke about her difficult upbringing in foster care, which lacked consistent adult support and ultimately led her to work in adult entertainment. She claims that during their arrangement, Sullivan expressed his love for her, stating that he loved her “and so did Jesus Christ.” Over the years, Jones alleges that Sullivan took her shopping, dining, and to hotel rooms across Alabama.

In her formal statements, Jones indicated her readiness to provide further evidence to bolster her claims against Sullivan. The priest, who has served for over 32 years, was previously the president of John Carroll Catholic High School and had been a familiar face in the community, even appearing on national television to discuss his recovery from COVID-19.

Bishop Raica emphasized the importance of adhering to youth protection policies amidst the investigation and confirmed that the diocese is collaborating with an independent review board to assess the situation. The diocese aims to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into the allegations surrounding Father Sullivan.

Background and Context

Father Robert Sullivan has had a longstanding career within the Catholic Church, serving as a priest for over three decades. He has been involved with various community events, including leading Good Friday processions, showcasing his active engagement with local families and children.

The ongoing investigation into these serious allegations raises significant questions concerning the protection of minors within religious institutions and the mechanisms in place for addressing such claims. As this case develops, the diocese maintains a commitment to uphold the standards of youth protection and integrity.

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Investigation Launched Against Father Robert Sullivan

Additional Resources

• WBRC
• Wikipedia: Clergy Abuse
• AL.com
• Google Search: Father Robert Sullivan investigation
• ABC 33/40
• Google Scholar: Robert Sullivan priest investigation
• Yellowhammer News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Investigation into clergy allegations
• CBS 42
• Google News: Father Robert Sullivan allegations

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.