Twin Cities Woman Sues Priest, Alleges Improper Contact and Gifts

Star Tribune
October 14, 2013

http://www.startribune.com/local/227707841.html

[the lawsuit]

A Catholic priest and University of St. Thomas professor accused of harmful sexual contact with a 13-year-old Twin Cities girl gave her his car in 2004 after she first confronted him about the incidents, the alleged victim said in an interview.

The Rev. Michael J. Keating, 57, took a leave of absence from the university recently, just days before a lawsuit was filed on behalf of the young woman.

St. Paul attorney Jeff Anderson, who filed the lawsuit Monday in Ramsey County District Court, said his client took her allegations to the archdiocese seven years ago, without results, and that the case is another example of officials at the Catholic chancery in St. Paul protecting the church’s reputation at the expense of the victims and the faithful.

The archdiocese did not immediately comment. A spokesman for St. Thomas did not comment on the lawsuit but said Keating is “no longer is on campus.’’

Keating, a popular professor of Catholic Studies, could not be reached for comment. The Star Tribune left messages with Keating and with a close friend requesting comment.