Priest facing sex abuse suit resigns from St. Thomas

MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press

By Tad Vezner
tvezner@pioneerpress.com
POSTED: 09/17/2014

A University of St. Thomas professor accused of molesting a young girl when he was studying to be a priest has resigned.

Father Michael Keating, who has been a member of the Catholic Studies department since 2005, “has informed the university of his decision to resign from St. Thomas,” according to a release posted Wednesday on the university’s website.

A statement by Keating said:

“After careful consideration of my current situation in light of my employment options and long-standing goals, I have decided to resign my faculty position with the University of St. Thomas effective immediately. I have greatly enjoyed my time at the university and take with me fond memories of the St. Thomas community.”

In October, a lawsuit was filed in Ramsey County District Court by a Chisago County woman referred to as Jane Doe 20. She alleged that in 2006, when she was 13, Keating — who was studying to be a priest and nearly 30 years her senior — repeatedly molested her in her home.

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