ST. CLOUD (MN)
St. Cloud Times
February 18, 2018
By Stephanie Dickrell
The Rev. Anthony Oelrich will be responsible for paying his own legal fees related to a charge of criminal sexual conduct, a church spokesperson confirmed this week.
Oelrich faces charges of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. He is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with an adult whom he was giving spiritual counsel.
Joe Towalski, director of the office of communications for the Diocese of St. Cloud, confirmed that the church would not be funding Oelrich’s legal defense.
Oelrich is staying at a residence in St. Cloud owned by the diocese while the judicial process proceeds, Towalski added. The diocese continues to provide for Oelrich’s basic needs.
Bishop Donald Kettler removed Oelrich as pastor of the Newman Center and suspended his priestly faculties, which means he cannot function or present himself as a priest.
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