Two lawsuits claiming sexual misconduct by a former Hastings priest have been filed in Stearns County reports the Hastings Star Gazette. The deceased priest, Reverend Bruce Wollmering, who was a counselor at St. John's University in Collegeville, MN, is accused of sexual misconduct as far back as the 1970's. The suit alleges that the Church and the college were aware at the time that Wollmering had been sexually inappropriate with a child. The plaintiff claims that while a student at St. John's in 1971, he met with Wollmering for academic, psychological and spiritual counseling and that the innappropriate sexual contact occurred in Wollmering's office.
The lawsuit claims that the ex-priest had a long history of sexual misconduct with students and that the Church was aware of the situation. The priest was a member of the order of St. Benedict. Three other members of the clergy are also named in the other lawsuit filed: Reverend Finnian McDonald and Brother John Kelly. The victim is requesting unspecificied financial damages and a jury trial.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of clergy abuse, it is vital to get legal representation from a clergy abuse attorney. The legal team at the Zalkin Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims of clergy abuse. Justice can be served by seeking monetary compensation for the damages suffered by victims of priest abuse.
