Alabama Woman Concludes Legal Proceedings Following Allegations Against Priest
An Alabama woman has successfully resolved a misdemeanor legal case that was initiated against her shortly after she publicly accused a Roman Catholic priest of predatory behaviour. Heather Jones, aged 33, agreed on 28 January to serve two years of probation for what authorities classified as the unauthorised practice of law, according to an official from the Marshall County clerk's office in Alabama.
Background of the Allegations and Legal Resolution
Jones had previously come forward with allegations against clergyman Robert "Bob" Sullivan, stating that she was 17 years old when he arranged to provide her with financial support in exchange for companionship, including sexual activity. This prompted Sullivan to resign from the clergy in November after Jones filed a formal complaint with church leaders.
In a statement to the Guardian, Jones expressed that the probation agreement leaves her feeling "free and clear" of the legal matter. She suggested that the case might have been pursued to undermine her credibility after she spoke out against Sullivan. "When I lay down at night, I am at peace with my actions and my intentions," Jones said. "I hope that 'they' feel the same about theirs."
Details of the Alleged Relationship and Church Response
Jones first encountered Sullivan, now 61, after a difficult upbringing in foster care and being removed from her mother's custody due to severe neglect. She later sought employment as an exotic dancer at an establishment outside Birmingham, Alabama, where she met Sullivan, a regular patron.
According to her complaint, Sullivan offered to "change" her life through an ongoing relationship that included financial support in exchange for private companionship. She alleged that over several years, beginning when she was 17, Sullivan took her shopping, dining, drinking, and to hotel rooms across Alabama for sexual encounters, paying her hundreds of thousands of dollars to remain silent.
Jones initially did not recognise the exploitative nature of the relationship, participating out of desperation while struggling with depression, addiction, and emotional instability. She decided to speak out because Sullivan continued to work closely with families and children as the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows church in Homewood, Alabama, and held a high-ranking administrative position as a vicar general for the Birmingham diocese.
Church Investigation and Sullivan's Resignation
Jones filed her complaint with the Birmingham diocese in August, providing a copy to the Guardian after Sullivan announced a leave of absence to his congregation on 3 August 2025 without specifying reasons. Church officials forwarded the allegations to the Vatican, which investigates clergy misconduct cases.
Sullivan subsequently requested Pope Leo XIV "to be dispensed from all the obligations of the priesthood," a request granted on 22 November. Attempts to contact Sullivan for comment have been unsuccessful.
Legal and Ethical Context
Catholic priests vow sexual abstinence, and under policies adopted by US bishops in the early 2000s, individuals under 18 are considered minors, with sexual contact deemed abusive. However, there is no indication that Sullivan faced scrutiny from Alabama law enforcement, as the age of consent in the state is 16, and it only became a felony for clergy to engage in sexual activity with those under 19 in spring 2024.
Meanwhile, eight days after the Guardian reported on Jones's complaint, she was arrested for allegedly filing a legal motion on behalf of a man in a Marshall County court case without being a licensed attorney. Prosecutors stated the motion was signed under Jones's name as an "advocate/law student," constituting unauthorised practice of law.
Aftermath and Support Network
Jones agreed to probation on the morning her case was scheduled for trial. Reflecting on her experience, she noted that she has "met a network of survivors who have offered nothing but encouragement and support" since speaking out. "Thank you to those who supported me during this time, and I truly mean that," Jones wrote. "And to those who doubted me, I thank you even more."
This case highlights the challenges survivors of religious misconduct may face when coming forward, balancing legal repercussions with the pursuit of justice and personal closure.
