MINNESOTA
Catholic Online
By Deacon Keith Fournier
3/13/2014
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Catholic Online) – Some of my readers may not know that in a 33 year legal career I served as a prosecuting attorney twice. That is why I understand the implications of the news out of Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 12, 2014.
The allegation against Archbishop John Nienstedt was that he improperly touched a boy upon whom he had the privilege of conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation. The allegation was false. The Prosecuting attorney of Ramsey County informed reporters that, after a lengthy and through investigation, they would not file charges.
The allegation arose after of a confirmation ceremony on May 5, 2009. A boy complained that the Archbishop touched his buttocks during a group picture of those who had just received the Sacrament. When I first read of the allegation, especially as a former prosecutor, I was highly suspect.
I am now convinced my suspicions were correct.
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