Fr. Brian M. Lederer

Ordained: 2012
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Duluth MN

Associate pastor, Blessed Sacrament in Hibbing. Arrested in 5/2015, held on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a minor. Released after posting bond. Charged 8/27/2015 with criminal sexual conduct with a fourth minor. All four were girls, ages 10-14, two of them sisters. Incidents were said to have occurred during 2014-2015. Lederer was also charged with possession of child pornography. A boy under age 10 told police that in a computer class, Lederer showed him videos of nude people; police found 5 images of suspected child pornography on the priest’s computer. Jury trial in 6/2016; acquitted of abuse of the girls. Child pornography charge dropped in 10/2016 for “insufficient evidence” that he viewed it intentionally. Permanently removed from ministry and laicized 3/14/2020. Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused 3/28/2024.

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