Investigation into clergy members accused of child sex abuse runs out of time

KFYR
January 04, 2021

https://www.kfyrtv.com/2021/01/04/investigation-into-clergy-members-accused-of-child-sex-abuse-runs-out-of-time/

An investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations into the North Dakota Catholic Dioceses found two clergy members accused of child sex abuse cannot be charged because the statue of limitations has run out.

According to Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, an 18-month investigation looked into 53 individuals with the North Dakota Catholic Dioceses accused of child sex abuse.

Of the 53 names, only two were alive at the time the investigation began, Norman Dukart of Dickinson and another clergy member who moved to Minnesota.

BCI agents say during the course of the investigation another clergy member, Odo Muggli of the Assumption Abbey in Richardton, was identified as another suspect.

The Attorney Generals office reviewed the investigation and determined there was probable cause to charge Dukart and Muggli.

However, due to the abuse occurring so long ago, the state of limitations has run out. Therefore, neither Dukart or Muggli can be charged.

“I regret it will not be possible to have these men face their victims at a trial and face the potential consequences, but I hope it brings a measure of comfort to the victims that these crimes were eventually investigated,” said Stenehjem.