Duluth Diocese Ordered to Hand over Sealed Documents in Sex Abuse Case

Northlands News Center
January 29, 2015

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Duluth-Diocese-ordered-to-hand-over-sealed-documents-in-sex-abuse-case-290265561.html

For the first time, the Duluth Diocese is being required to produce documents relating to several sexual abuse cases.

Judge John Guthmann ordered the release of the documents on Tuesday, saying they will provide a clearer picture of the alleged practices of abusive priests.

Under the order, the documents must be produced to give to an unidentified man known as DOE 30, who filed suit in 2010.

The man claims he was molested by Father Vincent Fitzgerald at St. Catherine's Church in Squaw Lake, Minnesota. This is one of three sex abuse cases pending against the diocese.

Duluth, along with New Ulm, have refused to provide the documents in the past, however Duluth did voluntarily release a list of all past priests who had been accused of sexual abuse.

Both Diocese have until February 17th to hand over the documents.