Archdiocesan Official, St. Paul Police Meet to Discuss Clerical Sex Abuse Investigation

By Mara H. Gottfried
The Pioneer Press
December 18, 2013

http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_24751925/st-paul-police-meet-archdiocese-vicar-general



St. Paul police met with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis vicar general Wednesday, the day after the police chief said the archdiocese has not cooperated with investigations into alleged clerical sex abuse.

"At today's meeting, officials answered some questions and set plans for discussions in near future to answer others," police said later in a statement.

The meeting was with the Roman Catholic archdiocese's vicar general, the Rev. Charles Lachowitzer, and its attorney, said police, who said additional details would not be made public at this time.

James Accurso, spokesman for the archdiocese, later said, "We had a productive and amicable meeting today and concur with the St. Paul police's account of our meeting."

Police Chief Thomas Smith expressed frustration Tuesday that investigators' request to speak with clergy staff had been refused and that the archdiocese planned to make only an attorney available to police. After Smith's public comments, the archdiocese said Lachowitzer would accompany the attorney to the meeting.

Archbishop John Nienstedt stepped aside from his public duties Tuesday after allegation that he had inappropriately touched a boy during a confirmation photo session in May 2009. Nienstedt denied the allegation.

It was not clear whether Wednesday's meeting dealt with the Nienstedt matter.

The Catholic League, a Washington, D.C.-based group that says it defends the civil rights of Catholics, called Wednesday for more information about the photo session.

It asked that anyone who was there "share with us any information they have ... we are interested in obtaining a tape recording, or set of photos, of any confirmation ceremony in 2009 where Archbishop Nienstedt was present; presumably, the alleged victim was standing next to the archbishop."

The group also asked for information about the accuser.

The archdiocese has been under intense scrutiny since September. Spurred by a whistle-blower who worked among top church officials, news accounts have exposed failures by the church to report to police possible criminal activity by priests.

Lachowitzer was named vicar general -- the archbishop's chief deputy -- after the Oct. 3 resignation of the Rev. Peter Laird.



Contact: mgottfried@pioneerpress.com