The Minneapolis Tribune took time to look at the second anniversary to look at how it is going. The story was interesting for its overview, but there are areas that are worth looking at a little closer.
There have been criminal claims looked at and now being pursued. At this time in Dakota County there is a trial going on against Francis Hoefgen, a former St. John’s Abbey monk now living in Columbia Heights, for allegedly abusing a boy from 1989 to 1992. His arrest followed the victim’s lawsuit filed last year. A Hibbing priest was arrested and jailed for sexual misconduct with three girls. One priest on the Crookston Diocese list, the Rev. Joseph Jeyapaul, was extradited from India and pleaded guilty to criminal sexual misconduct last Friday. That same day, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis removed a priest from active ministry in Richfield.
(Update) I had no idea that on the day of this post we would also see the Ramsey County Attorney’s office filed criminal charges against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for “failing to protect children” from an abusive priest.
Abuse of children and the continued silence by the offenders needs to be prevented. If you suffered, saw, or suspected such events, it is important to know that there is help out there.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
2 Comments
joe
Precisely the same criminal charges should be filed against St. John's Abbey, and Abbot John Klassen--if not Bishop Donald and his predecessor John Kinney.
The problem is that Stearns County prosecutor Janelle Kendal must find the courage to act, even if she is Catholic, even if her husband John teaches there as an adjunct. Her failure to do so, to investigate endless cover-ups by the monks of St. John's Abbey, is a tragedy, and straightforwardly unjust.
Mike Bryant
Joe , that is so true with major questions going back way before she was County Attorney. The file seizure that took place from Dakota County was the first real police action and guess what they got more files. Thank you for the comment and reading
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