Archbishop Hires Judge to Oversee Child Sex Abuse Claims

By Blake McCoy
KARE
August 25, 2014

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2014/08/25/archbishop-hires-judge-to-oversee-child-sex-abuse-claims/14590945/

[with video]

Judge Timothy O'Malley (left) and Archbishop John Nienstedt.

Archbishop John Nienstedt has hired an outsider to oversee child sex abuse claims going forward.

Judge Timothy O'Malley will take on the newly created role of Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment in the Minneapolis St. Paul Archdiosese.

"It took a bit too long to get to the point we're at now," said O'Malley in an interview with KARE 11. "I think there has been some disappointment that the response hasn't been as purposeful and organized as I think it can be."

O'Malley has an extensive law enforcement background and served as Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from 2006-2010. He is confident that will provide a different and necessary perspective going forward.

"As bad as this has been and knowing that we can never undo the past ... the Catholic Church can be a part of moving forward in as positive a way as possible," said O'Malley.

This new position comes at the recommendation of a task force commissioned by Nienstedt to improve the church's handling of child sex abuse claims.

Nienstedt admits the church has been slow to reform but tells KARE 11, "We're on the right path to doing better."