Winona Monsignor Resigns Following Report of Relationship

WINONA, Minn. (AP) - The second-highest ranking official at the Catholic Diocese of Winona has resigned following reports of sexual misconduct that date back three decades.

The diocese says Monsignor Richard Colletti has resigned as vicar general and chancellor of the 20-county diocese. Bishop John Quinn says the resignation involves recent media reports that Colletti had a relationship with a woman in 1986.

Reports say court documents it obtained show Colletti, now 63, admitted under oath in the early 1990s that he had a sexual relationship with a college freshman he was counseling.

The documents include Colletti's testimony taken during a personal injury lawsuit filed by the woman in 1991. The case was dismissed with prejudice in Winona County District Court.

Documents say Colletti was director of campus ministry at Saint Mary's when he met the 18-year-old woman.