Ramsey County Charges Twin Cities Archdiocese for Sexual Abuse Cases

By Cody Nelson
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
June 5, 2015

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/06/05/ramsey-county-charges-twin-cities-archdiocese-for.html

The Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul is being criminally charged for "failing to protect children" who were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of priests, the Pioneer Press reported Friday.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said the organization is facing gross misdemeanor charges. No individuals were charged.

Friday's news is just the latest in a long string of turmoil for the archdiocese that started with an investigation by MPR News.

In January, the archdiocese filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection because it couldn't afford the claims brought against it for sex abuse lawsuits.

The following month, the archdiocese decided to seek buyers for several of its buildings — including some offices and the home of Archbishop John Neinstedt — so it could afford to pay creditors.

Friday's charges come after a 20-month investigation by Ramsey County authorities, who were criticized for not holding the church accountable more aggressively, MPR reports.