Fr. Louis Joseph Heitzer
From Germany. Died in 1969 while in alcoholism treatment in the Twin Cities. At least three men have told the archdiocese that Heitzer abused them. Vicar general said there was “some indication” that leaders of the archdiocese knew about allegations at the time. One of the victims testified at the 6/02 Dallas Bishops’ conference. Has been termed “perhaps the most abusive priest” in the archdiocese. Included on the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese’s list of credibly accused in 2/13. Personnel files released 9/16/14. Revealed 9/17/14 that he was assigned as a chaplain at a nursing home in 1969 in the New Ulm diocese after assault allegations. Lawsuit filed in 5/16 alleging abuse of 12-year-old boy in 1965 at St. Scholastica in Heidelberg. Heitzer was said to have targeted the boy after the boy’s father died in a car wreck. On the Crookston diocese’s list of credibly accused; supply priest there in 1968.
- BA.org Assignment Record
- Diocese of New Ulm Assignment Record
- Diocese of Crookston List accessed 01.26.20
- Star Tribune 06.14.02
- St Paul Pioneer Press 06.14.02
- Forest Lake Times (MN) 10.16.02
- St Paul & Minneapolis List of Credibly Accused Priests released 12.05.13
- Catholic Spirit 12.05.13
- Star Tribune 12.05.13
- Le Center Leader 12.06.13
- Minnesota Public Radio Database 02.19.14
- Minnesota Public Radio 02.19.14
- SNAP Statement 02.20.14
- Minnesota Public Radio 09.16.14
- Statement by Archdiocese of St Paul regarding release of Heitzer Files 09.16.14
- Heitzer personnel File and Other documents released by Anderson & Associates 09.16.14
- KSTP 09.16.14
- Makato Free Press 09.17.14
- SNAP Statement 09.17.14
- SNAP Statement 09.17.14
- BishopAccountability Lists 03.29.16
- CBS Minnesota 03.29.16
- Bemidji Pioneer 03.29.16
- Mankato Free Press 03.29.16
- Diocese of New Ulm List 03.29.16
- KEYC 03.29.16
- Star Tribune 03.29.16
- Minnesota Public Radio 03.29.16
- Hutchinson Leader 03.31.16
- Mankato Free Press 05.24.16
- Diocese of Crookston List accessed 01.26.20
Assignments:
Sources:
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.