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 12/1990. Civil suit filed in 4/2006. 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 6/2011; rejected by MN Supreme Court in 7/2012. Was living in Rochester MN. Banned from church property. New suits 5/30/2013 and 8/28/2013 under a new MN law. Laicized in 2009. Deposition in 5/2006 released 6/11/2014. Adamson was to draw a monthly pension with medical and dental coverage for the rest of his life. Judge ruled for plaintiff 9/03/2014. Included in 10/2014 on the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese’s list of accused. New suit filed 4/17/2016. Suit filed 5/23/2016 claimed abuse of a fourth-grade boy at the Cathedral 1969-1972. Named in a 10/2018 suit by four men against the Vatican. Died 2/25/2019. Reportedly in 5/2019, another victim joined the suit against the Vatican. Dismissed by a federal judge in 8/2023.


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