MINNESOTA
Minnesota Public Radio
Riham Feshir May 19, 2015
A former Hastings priest accused of sexual abuse 25 years ago is set to go on trial this week.
Jury selection in Francis Hoefgen’s criminal case began Tuesday in Dakota County and will continue Wednesday, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office. Opening statements will follow jury selection unless Hoefgen reaches a plea agreement.
Dakota County prosecutors charged Hoefgen, 64, last year with first degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly abusing an altar boy from the time he was about 9 until 12 years old.
The alleged abuse occurred while Hoefgen was a priest at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings from 1989 to 1991, according to the criminal complaint. Hastings police were notified in November 2013. The victim is not named in court documents.
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