Lawsuit Filed Today Accuses Archdiocese of Cover-up

Priest Accused of Sexually Assaulting Four Edina Brothers

Father Thomas Stitts Figures in 4 Lawsuits Including 11 Victims in Twin City Area

(St. Paul) Jeff Anderson & Associates filed a lawsuit today in Ramsey County District Court on behalf of four Edina, Minnesota, brothers who claim that beginning in 1967, and until 1973, when the boys were 7 – 14 years of age, were repeatedly sexually assaulted by Father Thomas Stitts, a Roman Catholic priest who at the time was assigned to Our Lady of Grace church in Edina.

The lawsuit alleges that in 1970, and on several occasions after that, Minneapolis – St. Paul Archdiocese supervisors were made aware of Farther Stitts’ sexual misconduct, and upon discovery, took no further steps to investigate the misconduct or warn parents and students in order to  prevent further sexual abuse.

In addition to Our Lady of Grace, Stitts, who is now deceased, also served at St. Leo’s in the Highland Park area of St. Paul where he is suspected to have sexually assaulted several altar boys and St. George’s parish in Long Lake, Minnesota.

“Incredibly,” Noaker said, “the Archdiocese had reason to know, or at least suspect that Farther Stitts had sexually assaulted young children.  Yet, without warning to students or families, he was regularly moved from parish to parish where he was free to prey on unsuspecting children such as the plaintiffs in this lawsuit.

“Indeed, we believe the courts will find the Archdiocese’s behavior was not only dangerous but reprehensible and shameful,” Noaker added.

The current lawsuit is the fourth complaint concerning Father Stitts brought against the Archdiocese by the Anderson law firm.  The four lawsuits seek damages from the Archdiocese for a total of 11 victims.

Note:  Attorney Patrick Noaker at Jeff Anderson & Associates is available for interviews.

Cell: 612.961.1307     Office: 651.227.9990

Copies of the complaint are available at www.AndersonAdvocates.com