Lawyer To Release Files On 5 More Priests Accused Of Abuse

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An attorney who represents a significant group of people who have filed bankruptcy claims against the Archdiocese Of St. Paul And Minneapolis plans to release files on five priests accused of sexually abusing minors.

Jeff Anderson said the files pertain to priests connected with St. John's Abbey were obtained as part of the Troy Bramlage settlement earlier in 2015.

Ahead of the Tuesday press conference, Anderson identified the priests as Richard Eckroth, Thomas Gillespie, Francis Hoefgen, Finian McDonald and Bruce Wollmering.

He is releasing the files in order to encourage survivors of child abuse to come forward before the deadline next May under the Minnesota Child Victims Act.

As reported earlier this year, hundreds of Minnesota parishes and schools have also filed claims in an attempt to protect themselves in the bankruptcy process.