Priest Removed from Post after Child Abuse Allegations

Star Tribune
June 26, 2012

http://www.startribune.com/local/east/160323145.html

A St. Paul priest was removed from his job after allegations surfaced that he sexually abused a minor.

The Rev. Curtis Wehmeyer is no longer at the Blessed Sacrament parish in St. Paul, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The archdiocese learned of the allegations and reported them to police, according to the statement posted on its website Sunday.

St. Paul police filed a report Thursday that said a juvenile reported being sexually abused by Wehmeyer for two years, starting in 2010. Police arrested Wehmeyer on Friday. He has been released, and has not been charged.

Police spokesman Howie Padilla said the victim was a boy, but could not divulge more details because of the ongoing investigation.

Wehmeyer is prohibited from exercising any ministry pending the police investigation, the church said in its statement.

"The Archdiocese deeply regrets the pain caused by clergy misconduct or by others within the Church," the statement read. "The Archdiocese is offering its support and assistance to all concerned."

The archdiocese encouraged anyone with information about misconduct to call the church at 651-291-4497.