Archdiocese Priest Put On Leave After Past Abuse Allegation
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis says it placed an active priest on a leave of absence after it received an allegation of past sexual abuse.
Archbishop John Nienstedt says in a statement there is a "credible allegation" that the Rev. Gerald Dvorak sexually abused a minor in the 1970s. A credible allegation is one that's "not manifestly false or frivolous."
Nienstedt says law enforcement was notified, and Dvorak will not carry out priestly ministry during the investigation.
Dvorak released a statement saying he's never abused anyone. He asked for prayers for everyone involved.
Dvorak has been pastor of St. Peter in Richfield since 2011. He's worked in many posts since 1978, including as pastor of St. Joseph in Hopkins and pastor of St. Michael in St. Paul.
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