Fr. Thomas Adamson

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 02/25/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Winona-Rochester MN

Reportedly 100+ victims. At least 12 lawsuits filed the late 1980s-early 1990s. Permanently removed from ministry in 1984. Trial in one suit with major verdict for plaintiff in 12/90. Civil suit filed in 4/06. Adamson abused in Winona prior to his 1975 transfer to the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese. All settlements estimated at over $6M. One 2006 case dismissed in 2010 was reinstated by Court of Appeals in 6/11; rejected by MN Supreme Court in 7/12. Was living in Rochester MN. Banned from church property. New suits 5/30/13 and 8/28/13 under a new MN law. Laicized in 2009. Deposition in 5/06 released 6/11/14. Adamson was to draw a monthly pension with medical and dental coverage for the rest of his life. Judge ruled for plaintiff 9/03/14. Included in 10/14 on the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese’s list of accused. New suit filed 4/17/16. Suit filed 5/23/16 claiming abuse of a fourth-grade boy at the Cathedral 1969-72. Named in a 10/18 suit against the Vatican. Died 2/25/19. Reportedly in 5/19, one victim joined the suit against the Vatican.


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