A Catholic priest in Alabama is under investigation after being accused of starting a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old stripper and paying her hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep quiet.
Robert Sullivan, 61, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood, has taken personal leave after public accusations surfaced from Heather Jones, now 33, alleging the relationship began in 2009 when she was a vulnerable teenager.
Jones said in a letter to the Diocese of Birmingham — shared with The Guardian — that she met Sullivan while working at a strip club he frequented.
According to Jones, the priest offered her $273,000 in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement that would secure “an ongoing relationship” involving financial support and “private companionship,” which she said included sexual activity.
Raised in foster care due to severe neglect by her mother, Jones said she initially hesitated but eventually agreed “due to his persistence and the state of mind I was in.”
Days later, she claimed, she received two wire transfers of $136,500 each, sent under the name of an attorney’s office.
Jones alleged Sullivan initially posed as a doctor and took her on trips to shop, dine, drink, and stay in hotels across at least six Alabama cities throughout a relationship that lasted until 2024.
She said the priest bought her a phone and paid for her rehabilitation while she struggled with addiction and depression.
From July 2024 to March 2025, a Venmo account linked to Sullivan allegedly sent her nearly $120,000, Jones told The Guardian.
Jones said she decided to come forward because Sullivan continues to work with families and children at his parish.
“Others may be vulnerable to the same type of manipulation and exploitation,” she said.
Sullivan, ordained more than 32 years ago, previously served as president of John Carroll High School for six years.
He announced on August 2 that he was taking a personal leave as pastor, according to Al.com.
Bishop Steven Raica, leader of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, addressed the allegations in a letter to parishioners, stating there was insufficient evidence for a criminal case against Sullivan.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources determined that the claims did not meet the criteria for an investigation, Raica wrote, but stated that the diocese had launched its inquiry in line with Church law and internal policies.
The diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator remains in contact with Jones and has provided “appropriate support,” according to the bishop.
Raica said the allegations have been reported to the Vatican for review.
