CHURCH SEX ABUSE/DIOCESE OF NEW ULM RESPONDS

KDUZ
March 16, 2015

http://www.kduz.com/2015/03/16/church-sex-abusediocese-of-new-ulm-responds/

Area churches under the Diocese of New Ulm have received letters telling them about claims of past sexual abuses in the churches.

The diocese released a statement saying the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm has been named in 12 notices of claim alleging sexual misconduct involving a minor by four priests in the diocese. Only one of the four priests, Father Dennis Becker, is living and he is retired.

All of the priests named in the claims have served parishes in Gibbon, Springfield, Lamberton, Hutchinson, Lafayette, Montevideo, Redwood Falls and Glencoe.

A notice of claim is not a lawsuit but rather a notice stating the time, place and circumstances of the alleged abuse.

The diocese says they have been diligent in its efforts to establish a safe environment program that educates anyone who works with minors and helps them identify and prevent sexual misconduct.