Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus
Parochial vicar at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Winchester when placed on leave 3/18 due to “allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor … between 2001 and 2004.” Fairfax County Police were investigating. Duesterhaus denied the allegation. Per the diocese, Duesterhaus was assigned in the past to parishes in Falls Church, Annandale, Ashburn, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Lake Ridge, Woodridge, and South Riding. He also worked outside the diocese as a military chaplain 1996-99, 2004-06, 2008-09, 2011-12. The diocese stated it was informed 1/17/19 that criminal charges would not be pursued by the Stafford County Commonwealth Attorney, after other jurisdictions decided the same. Also, the Diocesan Review Board determined that “a credible allegation….had not been made… .” Duesterhaus was no longer on administrative leave and he was allowed to complete graduate studies.
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