Fr. Donald W. Rieder

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/18/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Saint Cloud MN

Admitted in 2002 to molesting three girls in the 1980s and one in the 1990s. Sentenced in a plea bargain in 6/03 to one year in jail in the 1990s case. She filed suit 1in 2/02. Settled in 2003 for $500K. A woman told the Vicar General in the early 1990s Rieder had molested her daughter. V.G. promised Rieder would never minister publicly again. Retired in 1996; privileges not removed until 2002. Another civil suit settled in 10/05 for $17.5K. At least 9 accusers in all. Named on St. Cloud list issued 1/3/14. Died 5/18/13. Two more suits filed 8/25/15 by women claiming sexual abuse as girls in the 1960s by Rieder. Assignments included parishes in Alexandria, Randall, Kimball, Morris, Roscoe, Paynesville, Little Falls, Sobieski and St. Cloud.


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.