Fr. Robert Michael Thurner

Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Admitted in 1991 that he abused a boy in 1982; Archbishop Roach kept him in ministry. Per his deposition, his sexual history began at ordination in 1951 when he frequented adult bookstores and gay bathhouses. Civil suits filed in 1991 and 1993 accused him of molesting at least three boys. The 1993 suit was settled and dismissed in 3/94. Results of the 1991 suit unknown. Retired in 1991. Permanently removed from ministry in 2002. New suit filed 10/29/13 by a woman alleging abuse by Thurner when she was a second grader in the mid-1980s. Included in 12/13 on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused. Thurner died in 2016.

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.