Clergy abuse timeline: How the Twin Cities archdiocese got here

By Jean Hopfensperger
Star Tribune
January 16, 2015

http://www.startribune.com/local/288727601.html

May 23: A change in Minnesota law creates a three-year window for filing sex abuse lawsuits previously barred by statute of limitations, triggering a wave of lawsuits against the archdiocese seeking millions of dollars in damages.

May 29:The first lawsuit is filed, by a John Doe 1, in Ramsey District Court.

September 23: Former archdiocese canon lawyer Jennifer Haselberger reveals evidence that church officials overlooked sexual misconduct.

October 13: A task force is formed to investigate clergy sexual misconduct.

October 14: A Twin Cities woman sues a priest for sexual contact.

October 17: St. Paul police ask abuse victims to come forward.

November 12: Archbishop John Nienstedt says he will release a partial list of accused priests.

December 3: Ramsey County judge orders archdiocese to release full list of credibly accused priests.

December 5: The archdiocese releases names of 34 accused priests.

December 15: Archbishop John Nienstedt acknowledges that abuse allegations were mishandled.

November 18: A clergy abuse victim hopes for justice.

January 29: No charges are filed against archdiocese in a case against previously convicted priest.

April 2: Archbishop Nienstedt gives court deposition on clergy abuse.

May 28: A former vicar general says Archbishop John Nienstedt should consider resigning from his post.

June 4: Former Twin Cities Archbishop Flynn says he does not recall clergy abuse details.

August 20: An abuse victim reaches a settlement with the archdiocese

August 26: Archdiocese hires Timothy O'Malley, former head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, as its point person on clergy sex abuse.

September 10: Ramsey County Attorney John Choi says criminal charges are unlikely in 10 priest abuse cases because cases are so old.

October 14: Archdiocese and victims’ attorney reach landmark settlement on how abuse cases will be handled.

November 20: The archdiocese acknowledges it is considering bankruptcy after a rocky financial picture emerges.

November 26: The archdiocese sues 20 insurance companies to force them to pay abuse expenses.

January 12: An abuse victim, previously unidentified, speaks out against priest.

January 16:The archdiocese declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy.