Newly released prosecutor’s files show details of case against Minnesota archdiocese
September 29, 2016
New court documents released in Minnesota today show details of the criminal case a prosecutor had built against the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis.
The papers show that some accusations against Archbishop John Nienstedt, involving improper activities with adult men, dated back to the 1970s, while more recent charges were from his term as leader of the Minnesota archdiocese. Archbishop Nienstedt, who resigned last year, has consistently denied any improprieties.
The prosecutor’s papers also show that officials of Archbishop Harry Flynn admitted Curtis Wehmeyer to the archdiocesan seminary despite a strong negative recommendation. Wehmeyer, whose record showed a pattern of misbehavior, is now a convicted sex offender. Archbishop Flynn, who preceded Archbishop Nienstedt, is a former chairman of the US bishops’ committee implementing the “Dallas Charter” policy on sexual abuse.
The Ramsey County prosecutor dropped his case against the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis in July, in exchange for a commitment by Church officials to admit wrongdoing and to set new abuse policies.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
