St. John's Abbey: Abuse claims against Backous 'unsubstantiated'

St. John's Abbey has completed an investigation of child sex abuse allegations against one of its monks.

Explore the full investigation Clergy abuse, cover-up and crisis in the Twin Cities Catholic church

In a statement released today, an abbey spokesperson said the investigation by a review board found the allegations against the Rev. Timothy Backous to be 'unsubstantiated.'

Backous had stepped away from ministry last year.

The abbey spokesperson says Backous will 'determine his future role in consultation with' the head of the abbey.