Former Student Sues St. Cloud Diocese, Priest

By Dave Aeikens
KAAL
January 7, 2015

http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/S3669436.shtml?cat=10151

A former Foley Catholic elementary school student is suing St. Cloud Diocese and a former priest, saying he was abused by a priest that officials knew had abused children.

The suit claims the 50-year-old was abused by the Rev. James Thoennes in the 1970s at the home of Thoennes's mother in Central Minnesota while he was a student at St. John's Elementary School.

The suit claims the priest was allowed to continue working and was allowed unlimited access to children including the plaintiff.

The complaint also alleges the Diocese created a public nuisance about how it has handled the charges against Thoennes and 25 other priest alleged to have abused children.

A statement from St. Cloud Diocese said diocese officials have not seen the complaint.

"As he has stated in the past, Bishop Donald Kettler is committed to transparency and providing pastoral assistance to help victims of abuse to find justice and healing. In January 2014, the bishop released a list of clergy who were likely involved in the past in the sexual abuse of minors. The list also included the parishes and/or schools where these individuals served. James Thoennes was included on this list. He does not have faculties to serve publicly as a priest and currently lives in St. Cloud under restrictions."