MINNESOTA
Winona Daily News
Diocese Of Winona Priest Files
The attorneys who have brought a sprawling suit against the Diocese of Winona and Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis released on Tuesday what are presumed to be the full personnel files for 14 priests “credibly accused” of abuse in cases that span more than a half-century.
Attorney Jeff Anderson and others spoke at a news conference in Rochester announcing the release of the files, as they continue preparations for the trial in Ramsey County District Court, slated to begin the first week of November.
Tuesday marked the first public release of all of the personnel files, collectively numbering many thousands of pages. Various groups and individuals have unsuccessfully demanded their release dating back years. The diocese last December in response to a court order released the names of the 14 priests, as well as provided minimal details about their tenures at various churches and dates when they entered and left the ministry.
The full files have been publicly posted on Anderson’s firm’s website and provided to area media outlets. The files contain sensitive information, including explicit descriptions of allegations of abuse. The Daily News has chosen to publish the files online as a way to further the reporting on the lawsuit, as well as in the interest of ongoing transparency related to the suit.
“The details of the sexual abuse contained in the files are painful reminders of the significant impact that sexual abuse has on the survivors of child sexual abuse,” said Winona diocese spokesperson Joel Hennessy in a statement.
Hennessy also said: “The documents released today are redacted to protect the identity and information regarding the survivor of abuse. Redactions have not been made to conceal the abuser or the nature of the abuse. Other redactions are made to comply with legal restrictions and requirements, including removal of mental health or medical information from public dissemination.
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