Local Man Fighting Crookston Diocese to Reveal Past Instances of Sexual Abuse

By Scott Cook
WDAZ
September 20, 2017

http://www.wdaz.com/news/4331313-local-man-fighting-crookston-diocese-reveal-past-instances-sexual-abuse

A local man is fighting the Catholic Diocese of Crookston saying they have been concealing information about sexual abuse within the diocese.

On September 20, Ron Vasek and his attorney took part in a hearing at the Pennington County Courthouse.

Vasek said he and his son were threatened and intimidated by Bishop Michael Hoepner to keep quiet about sexual abuse that happened to him in the 1970s.

“The cover up has to end. There is no reason for that. None. This is 2017. They have had 30-40 years to clean this stuff up and they still aren't doing it. Why? And that’s what the people want to know is why is this still continuing?” said Vasek.

Vasek asked the court to deny the diocese' request to throw out public nuisance and negligence claims against them.

The diocese says they shouldn't face the charges because of the statute of limitations.

“The cover up has to end. There is no reason for that. None. This is 2017. They have had 30-40 years to clean this stuff up and they still aren't doing it. Why? And that’s what the people want to know is why is this still continuing?” said Vasek.

There is no timetable yet for the judge to make a ruling in this case.