Maplewood Priest Takes Leave of Absence; Woman Accuses Him of Inappropriate Touching

By Andy Greder
Pioneer Press
September 23, 2013

http://www.twincities.com/breakingnews/ci_24158770/maplewood-priest-takes-leave-absence-woman-accuses-him

The Rev. Mark Huberty is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his Maplewood Catholic church after a woman has accused him of inappropriate touching, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said Sunday.

Huberty, of Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, had denied the allegations and is not being suspended or removed as pastor, the archdiocese said. Huberty notified parishioners of the situation during services last weekend.

The allegations have been reported to police, the archdiocese said. Police and the church have opened investigations, the archdiocese said. Huberty will remain on leave during the investigations, the archdiocese said.

The archdiocese said it has been working with parish trustees "from the beginning to ensure they are informed and involved." The archdiocese has appointed an administrator to oversee pastoral duties and is arranging for priests to lead Masses.

Messages to Maplewood police and a church official were not immediately returned Monday afternoon.

Contact: agreder@pioneerpress.com