Priest Charged for Sexual Misconduct; Bail Set at $250,000

Hibbing Daily Tribune
May 7, 2015

http://www.hibbingmn.com/news/local/priest-charged-for-sexual-misconduct-bail-set-at/article_86615d22-f4f4-11e4-a4d1-cb6b69fc5e94.html

The associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish has been formally charged.

Brian M. Lederer, 29, was arraigned Thursday before Judge Mark M. Starr in St. Louis County Court in Hibbing. He was charged with three felony counts of sexual conduct in the second degree and two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree.

Bail was set at $250,000. He remains in custody.

Lederer was ordained in June 2012, and often had contact with children of the parish and students at Assumption School.

He is accused of sexual misconduct with three females under the age of 16, including one who came forward following his arrest. He was taken into custody Tuesday evening in his office.

Assumption School Principal John Schlachter confirmed Thursday that parents were notified of Lederer’s arrest Wednesday via the school’s parent notification system.

“At this time, the school is complying with civil authorities and with the Diocese,” he said.

When asked the reaction or demeanor of students on receiving the news, Schlachter declined to comment.

In a statement released Thursday following the charges, the Diocese of Duluth said they continue to closely monitor the situation, adding they’ve been in contact with the civil authorities offering full cooperation in the investigation.

“In light of the serious allegations against him and in keeping with our safe environment policies and procedures, Father Lederer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the legal process,” the statement reads. “While on leave, he is not allowed to minister as a priest and or have contact with anyone under age 18.”

Diocesan officials were not aware of any allegations prior to Lederer’s arrest, and they continue to learn about the circumstances that led to the arrest.

“We are all saddened by these events and especially for anyone who may have been hurt by sexual abuse,” said Father James Bissonette, vicar general of the diocese. “We remain absolutely committed to assisting victims, to ensuring justice is done and to doing all in our power to make our parishes and schools safe places for children.”

According to court documents, a set of sisters — one under the age of 13 and the other between the ages of 13 to 16 — told law enforcement that Lederer had snapped their bra straps and touched their butts at the school on various occasions. One girl also indicated she had been touched on the upper chest, and the other noted she’d been touched in the front private area.

The girls stated they have known Lederer for about three years, adding that he had become a family friend. All incidents started this year, they said.

While Lederer was at the girls’ family residence recently, one of the girls claims he touched her thigh and vaginal area. That incident caused the girl to feel gross and scared and to bawl her eyes out, according to court documents. The girls then informed their parents, who contacted law enforcement.

Following news of Lederer’s arrest Wednesday, a third girl, also under the age of 13, reported to law enforcement that she was touched by Lederer in the front private area while at the school. That incident occurred around October.

She also described two incidents in December, during which she alleges Lederer touched her breast while at school and rubbed her in the upper leg/quad area while on a bus for a field trip. The incidents caused her to “sweat very bad and have a bad feeling around him,” according to court records.

The maximum penalty for criminal sexual conduct in the second degree is 25 years jail and/or $35,000 in fines. The maximum penalty for criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree is 10 years and/or $20,000.

Lederer’s next court appearance is set for Thursday, May 14.