Lawsuit: Priest Admitted Abuse But Stayed Active

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota man who claims he was sexually abused by a priest in Hastings is suing the Twin Cities archdiocese, St. John's Abbey, and a center that treats clergy with psychological issues.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday says Rev. Francis Hoefgen molested the man from 1989 through 1992 when the victim was 10 to 13 years old. Hoefgen was at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church at the time.

The lawsuit alleges defendants should have known Hoefgen was a danger because he molested another boy in 1983 at St. Boniface rectory in Cold Spring. Hoefgen admitted the abuse to police in a signed statement but wasn't charged.

Instead, Hoefgen was sent to St. Luke's Institute for evaluation, then returned to ministry.

Calls to Hoefgen, St. Luke's, the archdiocese and abbey weren't returned.