WINONA — A former priest accused in several lawsuits of sexually abusing boys has been barred from parishes and schools in the Diocese of Winona.

The diocese said it recently learned Thomas Adamson had moved to Rochester. It sent a letter and photo of Adamson to all Rochester schools and parishes alerting them to his presence. The diocese said it has also communicated directly to the 78-year-old Adamson that he isn’t welcome on diocese property.

Adamson was named in three lawsuits settled out of court. A fourth lawsuit was decided in favor of the complainant.

Adamson has never faces criminal abuse charges because of the statute of limitations. He served in Winona and Adrian and was transferred to the Archdiocese of St. Paul in 1975 after abuse complaints surfaced.