Brainerd / Priest Faces Charges in Sex Case

Star-Tribune
September 19, 1987

Four counts of criminal sexual conduct involving children have been filed against a Roman Catholic priest after more than 700 photos of young children were found at his home, police said Friday.

The Rev. Robert William Klein, 59, of Brainerd was charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and one count of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree.

According to the complaint against him, Klein engaged in sexual misconduct at his residence with three boys ages 15, 13, and 12, and a 10-year-old girl in the last two years.

Police searched his residence Sept. 11, the complaint said, and found the photos, including pictures of children tied in bondage positions.

Klein could not be reached for comment Friday. There was no answer when a reporter called his home.

The Rev. Ray Cossette, chaplain at the Brainerd Regional Human Service Center, said Klein doesn't have any administrative assignments.

He said Klein substitutes for priests in their parishes and helps out in other ministries.

Klein is scheduled to make his first appearance in Crow Wing County Court Monday.