Fr. Thomas Andert

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1975
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

Andert, appointed prior of St John Abbey in 6/07 and member of the abbey’s External Review Board, was investigated in 1994 for an improper sexual relationship with a minor student at St John Prep. Abbey spokesman denied credible charges were found but Richard Sipe, chair of the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute at St John’s in 1994, gave a detailed account in 2007, stating the investigation was inadequate, and that an inappropriate sexual relationship did occur. The former student who was the subject of the “relationship” with Andert took his own life in 12/14. In 8/15 Andert was placed on leave due to an allegation of sexual abuse of another former St. John’s Prep student, in 1979 or 1980, who also claimed abuse by Rev. Allen Tarlton. St. John’s announced in 2/16 that the allegations were found unsubstantiated by a review board; Andert was reinstated. His accuser filed suit in 4/16.


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.