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.

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.