June 09, 2005

Diocese removes Hudson priest for alleged inappropriate behavior

HUDSON (WI)
River Towns

By Jon Echternacht

The bishop of the Diocese of Superior has banned an elderly Hudson priest, the Rev. James S. Dabruzzi, from celebrating mass publicly for alleged inappropriate behavior involving women parishioners.

St. Croix County District Attorney Eric Johnson, however, said he will not file criminal charges against Dabruzzi.

When contacted Monday, Dabruzzi said he is not guilty of any wrongdoing, saying the newspaper did not know all the facts. He reiterated that no charges have been filed, calling the incident an internal church affair.

"I am not guilty," Dabruzzi said.

The Most Rev. Raphael M. Fliss, sent a letter to Dabruzzi, 77, of St. Patrick's Catholic Church on April 28.

"Although no criminal charges have been filed against you, your behavior was most inappropriate and scandalous," the bishop wrote. "Eleven women have complained that you have sexually abused them. Consequently, I am suspending you from all public ministry."

Posted by kshaw at June 9, 2005 07:18 PM