Hibbing priest faces sexual misconduct allegations

Published 9:10 am Thursday, May 7, 2015

HIBBING — The Diocese of Duluth and law enforcement documents say a priest in northern Minnesota has been arrested on allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor.

The 29-year-old man was arrested Tuesday and was being held at St. Louis County Jail as of Wednesday. According to documents, he faces a potential charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 16.

The Roman Catholic diocese said the man serves at a parish in Hibbing, which is about 75 miles northwest of Duluth.

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In a statement, the diocese said it doesn’t know the details of what led to the priest’s arrest, and that it believes he’s “entitled to the presumption of innocence.” But it said it’s taking the situation seriously and will work with law enforcement.