Hibbing Priest Charged With Sexual Misconduct With Minors
HIBBING, Minn. (AP) — A priest in northern Minnesota has been charged with sexual misconduct involving minors.
Twenty-nine-year-old Brian Michael Lederer was charged Thursday with criminal sexual conduct.
The Hibbing Daily Tribune reports the charges allege three victims under the age of 16.
Lederer appeared in court, where bail was set at $250,000. He remains in custody.
WDIO-TV reports the Diocese of Duluth says Lederer is a parochial vicar at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hibbing.
In a statement, the diocese said it doesn't know the details of what led to the priest's arrest, and that it believes he's "entitled to the presumption of innocence." But it said it's taking the situation seriously and will work with law enforcement.
The diocese says Lederer was ordained in June 2012.
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