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A Catholic priest in the Diocese of St. Cloud has been charged with sexually abusing a woman for several years. 

Prosecutors in Stearns County charged Aaron Kuhn, 47, of Wadena, with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. 

The criminal complaint alleges that Kuhn sexually abused the woman multiple times while he was providing her with spiritual advice over nearly three years, from November 2019 to October 2022.

According to the complaint, the victim told police that Kuhn used his role as a spiritual advisor to manipulate her and pressure her into sex. The complaint says the victim reported that the abuse escalated over time, although she repeatedly asked Kuhn to stop.

Kuhn was charged by summons. Court records do not list a lawyer representing him. His first court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

Kuhn was a pastor at Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community, a collection of parishes in central Minnesota. They include St. Joseph in Bertha, St. Hubert in Blue Grass, St. John the Baptist in Bluffton, Assumption of Our Lady in Menahga, St. Michael in Motley, Sacred Heart in Staples, St. Frederick in Verndale and St. Ann in Wadena.

In a June 2024 letter to parishioners, St. Cloud Bishop Patrick Neary said he was placing Kuhn on administrative leave after receiving “an allegation of sexual misconduct involving an adult.” Neary said Kuhn would undergo “a professional evaluation for personal and spiritual renewal.”

In December 2024, Neary told parishioners that Kuhn would soon complete a residential treatment program, and would return to Mary, Mother of the Church ACC for the next few weeks to celebrate Masses “and reconnect with parishioners.” 

However, Neary also wrote that Kuhn had resigned as pastor “to better focus on his continued health,” and would be starting a new position in the diocese’s Tribunal and Office of Canonical Affairs in St. Cloud.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the diocese said Neary has placed Kuhn on full administrative leave effective immediately. 

The statement said Kuhn was “removed from active ministry” in June 2024 after the bishop learned of the allegation. After Kuhn was assigned to the chancery offices in December, a safety plan was put in place and continues to be monitored, the statement read.

“The diocese is cooperating with authorities and encourages all victims of abuse to come forward,” the statement read. “Bishop Neary asks that people keep everyone affected by this situation in prayer.”

Kuhn was ordained in 2007 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. He also served at St. Augustine parish and Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud, according to the diocese.

A 24-hour statewide sexual violence and domestic violence hotline is available in Minnesota. You can call 

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Kirsti Marohn

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The criminal complaint alleges that Aaron Kuhn sexually abused the woman multiple times while he was providing her with spiritual advice over nearly three years, from 2019 to 2022.

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Charges: Catholic priest in central Minnesota sexually abused woman he was advising

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