Priest under investigation for sexual misconduct

Published 8:34 pm Thursday, January 25, 2018

CARVER — The Carver County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an allegation of criminal sexual misconduct against a priest in Carver.

The Rev. Thomas Joseph said in a statement that he was surprised by the allegation and is prepared to fully cooperate with the investigation because he is innocent of the accusations.

The sheriff’s department said an adult female alleges Joseph had sexual contact with her several times over the course of 2 1/2 years.

Email newsletter signup

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said Joseph has been removed from the ministry at Saint Nicholas while the allegation is investigated. The archdiocese says Joseph’s removal should not be considered an indication of guilt.