A Sartell man who was accused of sexually abusing an altar boy has pleaded guilty in Stearns County District Court. Fifty-five-year-old Douglas Kleinsmith pleaded guilty to two counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct involving a teenager.
The Diocese of New Ulm has filed for bankruptcy protection, becoming the 14th diocese nationwide to file for reorganization after claims of sexual abuse by clergy.
A suburban Minneapolis priest has agreed to go on paid leave while Pennsylvania authorities investigate whether there was a cover-up of sexual abuse by someone in his Catholic order.