St. John's Boys' Choir Staffer Accused Of Sexual Misconduct
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (AP/WCCO) — A staff member of the St. John's Boys' Choir has been put on leave while authorities investigate a report of sexual misconduct.
The St. John's Boys' Choir and the National Catholic Youth Choir say a youth recently accused an adult of misconduct involving communications and photographs that were sexual in nature.
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is investigating.
The Boys' Choir and National Catholic Youth Choir say the staff member, who is involved in both groups but hasn't been named, has denied the allegations. The organizations say they won't share additional information to respect the youth's privacy.
They are encouraging parents with children who were in choirs while this staff member was there to talk to their kids and contact authorities with concerns.
Its website says the St. John's Boys' Choir offers programs for boys ages 8 through 15.
Below is a joint statement from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University:
The St. John's Boys Choir and the National Catholic Youth Choir recently learned of a report from a minor alleging misconduct by an adult associated with both organizations. The report involves alleged communications and photographs of a sexual nature. Following the report, both organizations placed the adult on a leave of absence. It is the organizations' understanding that the adult has denied the allegations.
The Stearns County Sheriff's office and Stearns County Human Services were promptly informed about the report. An investigation by the Stearns County Sheriff's Department is underway and the St. John's Boys Choir and the National Catholic Youth Choir are both cooperating fully.
Out of respect for the privacy of the minor and the minor's family, we will not share additional information on the allegations at this time. We have reached out to those who participated in either choir during the time that the adult at issue was associated with the choir to inform them of this report and to encourage parents to talk to their children. We have also encouraged choir participants and their families to contact authorities if they have any concerns and to contact us with any questions or requests for assistance.
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