Fr. Gilbert J. Gustafson

Ordained: 1977
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Pleaded guilty in 1983 to abusing a boy for five years in the 1970s. Parents found out in 1982 and complained to church officials. Gustafson was sent to treatment. He also admitted abusing other boys. He paid $40 fine and served four to six months in jail. In 11/92 a woman filed suit alleging she was abused by Gustafson for about five years, also beginning in 1977. Suit settled in 10/05. Permanently removed in 2002. Sentenced by Vatican to life of prayer & penance. In 7/06, Archbishop Flynn declared him medically disabled in a binding legal agreement. Included in 12/13 on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused. Still receiving pension from Archdiocese in 2/14. News in 9/15 that Gustafson was trying to raise money with a survivor (not abused by him) to buy chancery for healing center (“Gilead Project”) for clergy sex abuse victims.

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.