MN priest indicted for alleged coverup

By Steven Eckert
KARE
March 15, 2016

http://www.kare11.com/news/crime/mn-priest-indicted-for-alleged-coverup/83722055

Father Anthony Criscitelli of St. Bridget’s Parish in Minneapolis was accused with two other members of the Franciscan Friars of one count each of child endangerment and criminal conspiracy involving an alleged coverup in Pennsylvania.

MINNEAPOLIS - The head of a Catholic parish in Minneapolis has been indicted in Pennsylvania on charges he helped cover up cases of priest abuse there.

Father Anthony Criscitelli of St. Bridget’s Parish was accused with two other members of the Franciscan Friars of one count each of child endangerment and criminal conspiracy. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced the indictment Tuesday.

"These men knew there was a child predator in their organization. Yet they continued to put him in positions where he had countless opportunities to prey upon children," Kane asserted. "Their silence resulted in immeasurable pain and suffering for so many victims. These men turned a blind eye to the innocent children they were trusted to protect." 

The charges say the three men were members of a church panel that had “total control” over how Friars were assigned.

KARE 11 attempted to contact the 61-year-old Criscitelli today at St. Bridget’s parish but we were told he was out of the office.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said church officials were preparing a statement for release later today.