Fridley priest on leave after police search his home
Updated Feb. 21 | Posted Feb. 20
A priest at a Fridley, Minn., parish is on leave following a search of his home by Edina Police.
The pastor at the Church of Saint William has taken a voluntary leave of absence pending the outcome of an investigation, according to a statement by Twin Cities Archbishop Bernard Hebda.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The archdiocese office that deals with sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults issued an update Saturday evening saying "in addition to other restrictions, [the pastor] is prohibited from wearing a collar or presenting himself as a priest."
The archdiocese has assigned other priests to help continue day-to-day parish operations and to celebrate masses.
Edina police say they executed a search warrant at the priest's home and another search is likely. Police were investigating a late December tip about suspicious activity. The archdiocese says it is cooperating with police, Hebda said.
No charges have been filed.