Archdiocese Bars Wehmeyer from "Ever Exercising Priestly Ministry"

By Emily Gurnon
Pioneer Press
November 9, 2012

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_21965323/archdiocese-prohibits-wehmeyer-from-ever-exercising-priestly-ministry

Curtis Carl Wehmeyer was the pastor at the Parish of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has removed him from his position. (Courtesy of Ramsey County Sheriff)

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said Friday, Nov. 9, that it has barred the Rev. Curtis Wehmeyer from "ever exercising priestly ministry."

The written statement came on the heels of Thursday's guilty plea by Wehmeyer that he sexually abused two boys and possessed child pornography while he was the priest at Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul.

Wehmeyer, 48, of Oakdale, was removed from the parish by archdiocese officials June 21, after the victims went to the police.

He pleaded guilty Thursday in Ramsey County District Court to all charges against him: three counts of criminal sexual conduct and 17 counts of possession of child porn.

The archdiocese said its action regarding Wehmeyer was "in accord with policy of the archdiocese and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," established in 2002. Church officials cooperated fully with the police investigation of Wehmeyer, the statement said.

Jim Accurso, a spokesman for the archdiocese, added that Wehmeyer will remain a priest but will not return to any form of ministry. After he completes his sentence, "we cannot imagine a scenario under which he would be with this archdiocese in any capacity," Accurso said.

A spokesman for the Ramsey County attorney's office did not immediately comment on the length of sentence it might ask of the judge.

Wehmeyer's sentencing is set for Feb. 1.