Latest Legal News | The Minneapolis Legal Examiner

“Failing To Protect” Clergy Abuse Survivors

Today the Ramsey County Attorney’s office filed criminal charges against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for “failing to protect children” from an abusive priest. The charges arise from the actions of former priest Curtis Wehmeyer. As reported by the Minneapolis Tribune: …

By Mike Bryant

/ 5 Jun 2015

There Has Been an Increase In Minnesota No Fault Wage Loss

In the 2013-14 legislative session the Minnesota legislature increased the weekly wage loss from $250 a week to $500. The question that has come up is when that change became affective. Insurance companies have done a number of different things. They have: Just started paying…

By Mike Bryant

/ 30 May 2015

Rev. Gerald Dvorak Removed From St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Richfield (update)

This past week, Richfield priest, Rev. Gerald Dvorak, was removed as pastor of St. Peter’s Catholic Church , according to a statement from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He was removed because the Archdiocese concluded that there was a “credible allegation” that the Rev.…

By Mike Bryant

/ 27 May 2015

Closing Arguments Today In Trial of Former Hastings Priest Francis Hoefgen

It looks like Tuesday will bring the closing arguments for both sides in the criminal trial of Francis Hoefgen. Last week the jury got two very different stories. The former altar boy, now 36, recounted the progression of Hoefgen’s alleged abuses when the man was…

By Mike Bryant

/ 26 May 2015

Thoughts On Memorial Day

It’s Memorial Day. Thank You to every solider that has served this country and to all those that continue the work today. It is a day to salute and thank each and every one of you. Started as a day that was to commemorate the…

By Mike Bryant

/ 25 May 2015

Accused Hibbing Priest Brian Michael Lederer Out on Bail

Brian Michael Lederer, an associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hibbing, was released from the St. Louis County Jail on Thursday after posting bond. He had been held on $250,000 bail since his arrest last week. He has request release without bail which was…

By Mike Bryant

/ 24 May 2015

Arrest Of Hibbing-Based Priest Brian Michael Lederer

Brian Michael Lederer, an associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hibbing, was arrested this week and charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, and two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree. It will be interesting to see…

By Mike Bryant

/ 7 May 2015

Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Survivors Have less Time Than Rest of the State for Justice

With the passage of the Child Victims Act, the Minnesota Legislature opened a three year window for all survivors of sexual abuse as minors to bring claims. The each had until May of 2016 to come forward and find justice. Unfortunately, the timing has changed…

By Mike Bryant

/ 29 Apr 2015

Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Need To Act To Protect Rights

Survivors of sexual abuse have until August 3, 2015 to seek justice against their attackers. The Window that has been limited due to bankruptcy by the diocese is part of a federal court order. Anyone who was sexually abused by an employee of the diocese, or…

By Mike Bryant

/ 28 Apr 2015

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Announcement for Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA In re: The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Case No. 15-30125 YOU MAY HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS On January 16, 2015, The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis filed for…

By Mike Bryant

/ 27 Apr 2015

Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Survivors of Child Sex Abuse Need To Act Sooner

As a result of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis bankruptcy, survivors of sexual abuse have until August 3rd, 2015 to seek justice against their attackers. The Window that has been opened by the Minnesota legislature has a ending date of May of 2016. …

By Mike Bryant

/ 26 Apr 2015

Diocese of Winona Release 2 More Names

Yesterday, the Diocese of Winona released a new list of 2 more priests accused of sexually abusing minors. These names add to the 14 previous names that were disclosed in December of 2013. This disclosure is a result of the October 2014 settlement agreement in…

By Mike Bryant

/ 11 Apr 2015