By Mara H. Gottfried and Megan Boldt
Pioneer Press
July 16, 2010
http://www.twincities.com/ci_15532105?nclick_check=1
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| St. Paul police arrested Joseph M. Peschges, 63, of White Bear Lake, on suspicion of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct on July 15, 2010. (Ramsey County sheriff's office) |
Released from jail this afternoon, the Hill-Murray School's president said he "did absolutely nothing wrong" and "there is no evidence of anything" in the indecent conduct case for which he was cited.
Joseph M. Peschges, 63, was arrested Thursday in an undercover sting operation in a St. Paul park.Peschges said he'd been riding his bike. "Wrong place, wrong time and I get into this situation," he said just after walking out of jail about 4:30 p.m.
Peschges was booked into the Ramsey County jail on suspicion of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor. The Ramsey County attorney's office today declined to charge him with that offense, determining "there was insufficient evidence," said Paul Gustafson, an office spokesman.
Instead, police brought the misdemeanor citation for indecent conduct to Peschges at the Ramsey County jail this afternoon, said Sgt. Pete Crum, St. Paul police spokesman. Peschges said he didn't receive the citation and didn't know anything about it.
Officers arrested or cited nine men during Thursday's operation at Crosby Farm Regional Park and Meeker Island, conducted due "to the high number of complaints from citizens of men engaged in lewd sexual acts with other men in the park," according to police incident reports.
An undercover officer reported that Peschges touched him in the groin area, over his clothing, Crum said.
Asked about the allegation, Peschges said, "That is not true."
Peschges, of White Bear Lake, was arrested in Crosby Farm Park at 2:20 p.m.
Six of the men were cited for misdemeanor offenses and released. Peschges and two others were arrested on suspicion of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct and booked into the jail.
Officials at Hill-Murray, a Roman Catholic school in Maplewood, declined comment this morning. Peschges has been president of the school for 15 years.
In a statement sent to Hill-Murray families, school officials informed them of the incident and said Peschges has been relieved of his duties. Principal Dr. Susan Paul has been named acting president.
"We will keep you informed," the statement said. "We ask for your prayers for all members of the Hill-Murray community, for Hill-Murray School and for the entire Peschges family."
Mara H. Gottfried can be reached at mgottfried@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5262. Megan Boldt can be reached at mboldt@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5495
Contact: mgottfried@pioneerpress.com
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