Fr. Jonathan P. Shelley

Ordained: 1995
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Allegations made in 10/3/13 hearing that archdiocese possessed images of child porn retrieved from Shelley’s former laptop. Computer purchaser found porn in 2003 and told church officials. Church allegedly hid evidence. He took sabbatical from St. John the Baptist in Hugo, MN 6/15/12. Placed on leave 3/13 after police were told of evidence and went to Archdiocese to get it. Police received CDs of adult porn. Also possible inappropriate emails with boy. No prosecution for possession of porn as of 1/29/14. Former high-ranking archdiocesan official turned whistleblower, Jennifer Haselberger, told police in 2013 that documents she had seen re the case said the porn included a pre-pubescent boy appearing to engage in oral sex with another male, and searches such as “naked boy pics.” Leave of absence 2014. Archbishop Hebda announced in 1/18 return to limited ministry as a prison chaplain.


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.