Maplewood priest in sex misconduct case faces new charge

By Emily Gurnon
Pioneer Press
March 24, 2014

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_25410935/maplewood-priest-sex-misconduct-case-faces-new-charge

Mark Andrew Huberty (Photo courtesy of Ramsey County sheriff's office)

Prosecutors have charged the former pastor of Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood with an additional count of criminal sexual conduct.

Mark Andrew Huberty, 43, was charged Friday with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor. A Nov. 19 charge of felony fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct stands.

The updated criminal complaint contains the same description of alleged events and concerns the same alleged adult victim, with two changes:

During a visit to the woman's home Jan. 7, 2013, Huberty fondled her buttocks "without the victim's consent," and on other occasions, the woman "agreed" to touch the priest sexually, the complaint said.

Fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct is defined as engaging in "nonconsensual sexual contact."

The added charge "doesn't really change anything for us; we're still heading to trial," said Paul Engh, Huberty's attorney.

Huberty's next court date is May 15. A previous trial date was canceled.

The criminal complaint alleges that Huberty had agreed to be the woman's "spiritual adviser" and they discussed religious topics regularly -- but that the relationship became sexual.

The sexual contact occurred during private meetings in the woman's home, at the church and in Huberty's car, the complaint said.

A search warrant executed Oct. 9 by Maplewood police turned up almost 400 emails between Huberty and the woman. The communications led police to believe "that a sexual relationship did occur (between the two) and at the time they were continuing to meet and discuss religious and Catholic faith issues," the search warrant affidavit said.

It is a felony for members of the clergy to have a sexual relationship with a person they are counseling or to whom they are providing spiritual advice.

Huberty was placed on leave from his position at Presentation, which he had held since 2007, in September. He resigned effective Dec. 2.

He previously served at St. Timothy in Maple Lake and St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony.

Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is at 1695 Kennard St. in Maplewood.