News & Events

Oct 10, 2014: Providence Academy, Visitation, Pacelli Abuse Accusations Remind of Need For Improved Child Protection Measures in Schools

News of a string of child sexual abuse charges at Minnesota schools provides a shocking reminder of the importance of child protection measures in our schools. It also serves as a reminder to schools – especially now that kids are back in the classroom – that vigilance and existing child protection measures can always be improved.

Oct 09, 2014: Actor Allegedly Admits Abuse in Secret Recording

Recently it has been reported by TMZ.com that Mr. Collins’ wife, actress Faye Grant who is currently involved with contentious divorce proceedings secretly recorded a joint therapy session during which two discussed Mr. Collins’ alleged sexual abuse of minors.  Often the convoluted and inconsistent laws and rules of evidence regarding child sexual abuse are exploited by offenders who can abuse in one jurisdiction then flee to another jurisdiction to avoid detection and accountability..

Oct 06, 2014: Media Advisory: Survivors, Attorneys to Release 14 Diocese of Winona Priest Files Tomorrow

Minnesota: At a news conference tomorrow in Rochester, sexual abuse survivors, attorney Jeff Anderson and a former priest and advocate Patrick J. Wall, will release the files of 14 priests with credible allegations of child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Winona. The files were obtained as part of the Doe 1 v. Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona civil lawsuit fi…

Sep 24, 2014: Press Event: Doe 24 Speaks Publicly; James Porter File Released

On September 24, 2014, a courageous sexual abuse survivor abused by James R. Porter in Bemidji, Minnesota, found her voice and spoke publicly. Porter, a serial child predator, is suspected of abusing over 100 children in multiple states including Minnesota, Massachusetts, Texas, and New Mexico. James Porter’s file, including his laicization file, was released today as an ongoing effort for institutional transparency and accountability. Doe 24 Complaint 9-23-14 James Porter File James Porter Key Documents James Porter Laicization File James Porter Photo James Porter Timeline Original Porter…

Sep 22, 2014: Doe 20 Statement and Amended Complaint

(St. Paul, MN) – Today an adult woman, Doe 20, abused by Fr. Michael Keating as a teenager, filed an amended complaint and issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and concern about Keating’s announcement last week that he was resigning from the University of St. Thomas for his own career objectives. This courageous young woman chose to file this complaint because Keating’s resignation was not only under false pretenses, but gives the impression he is not …

Sep 22, 2014: News Release: Abuse Survivor Responds to Fr. Michael Keating’s Resignation

 September 22, 2014
Survivor of Sexual Abuse by Father Michael Keating Reacts to Keating’s Resignation out of Concern for Children
(St. Paul, MN) – Today an adult woman, Doe 20, abused by Fr. Michael Keating as a teenager, filed an amended complaint and issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and concern about Keating’s announcement last week that he was resigning from the University of St. Thomas for his own career objectives.
This courageous young woman chose to file this complaint because Keating’s resignation was not only under false pretenses, but gives the impression he is not …

Sep 16, 2014: File of “Most Abusive Priest” Fr. Louis Heitzer Released Today

Father Louis Heitzer is believed to have abused young boys in every location he worked, ruining the lives of many, and was never held accountable for his actions. Ordained in 1942, Heitzer worked at several parishes during his 25+ years in the priesthood. He worked in cities including Winsted, St. Paul, Marshall, Sleepy Eye, Olivia, Winthrop, Clearwater, Heidelberg, Lexington, Union Hill, Forest Lake, Ivanhoe and Nevis, Minnesota. At least three Archbishops knew of Heitzer’s inappropriate behavior with children and numerous parents sent letters to Church officials detailing accounts of sexua…

Sep 15, 2014: News Release: Judge’s Order Puts Public Safety and Child Protection First

(St. Paul, MN) – Today, Judge John Van de North issued an order bifurcating the Doe 1 v. Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis and Diocese of Winona civil lawsuit. The decision today to separately try the public nuisance claim before the negligence claim is a giant step forward for public safety and child protection. The trial for the public nuisance claim is scheduled to begin November 3, 2014, followed by the trial of the negligence claim on January 5, 2015. “The harm being done by the…

Sep 11, 2014: Media Advisory: Duluth Diocese Seeks to Keep Testimony, Documents Secret

 Media AdvisorySeptember 11, 2014 Diocese of Duluth Seeks to Keep Clergy Abuse Documents and Officials’ Testimony Secret in Hearing Today (Duluth, MN) – Today, at 1:00 PM in St. Louis County District Court, the Diocese of Duluth will ask the Court to issue a protective order to keep confidential the files and documents pertaining to clergy accused of sexual misconduct in the Diocese. The Duluth Diocese released a list of 17 names of priests with credible allegations of child sexual abuse in December 2013 and its request for a protective order demonstrates a step in the wrong direction.&…