MINNESOTA
Howie Blog

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin today made the following statement addressing the issues of the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse by clergy in the Duluth Diocese and, specifically, the matter involving Father Cornelius Kelleher:

“The sexual abuse of a child is a felony offense. Jurisdiction to prosecute the case after investigation by law enforcement lies with the County Attorney’s Office. To enable us to hold offenders accountable and to protect our children, response to a report of sexual abuse needs to be compassionate and according to the law.

All allegations involving the sexual abuse of children by a priest or anyone, should always be reported. Allegations of sexual misconduct occurring within three years of the disclosure are required to be reported to either law enforcement or social services under the Minnesota Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Law. These agencies then cross-report with each other….