Stearns County Prosecutors to Upgrade Charges Against Priest
Stearns County prosecutors plan to seek an aggravated sentence and an additional offense in a case involving a Catholic priest charged with stalking, criminal sexual conduct, and violence against a woman. The case has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the accountability of clergy members who abuse their positions of power.
Charges and Allegations
Joseph Paul Herzing, 61, of Milaca, is charged with one count of stalking, one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, and three counts of threats of violence, according to court records. However, Assistant Stearns County Attorney Jamie Reinschmidt filed a motion to offer an additional third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge at trial, citing that Herzing “engaged in numerous instances of sexual penetration and sexual contact from 2014-18 in Hennepin and Stearns counties while being a member of the clergy.”
The allegations against Herzing are disturbing and involve abuse of power, with the victim seeking spiritual advice, aid, and comfort while Herzing served as a priest in Little Falls and St. Cloud between May 2018 and October 2022. The criminal complaint details multiple violent interactions in 2022, including instances where Herzing choked, physically assaulted, and threatened to kill the victim.
Background and Response
Herzing was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud in 1999 and later appointed as pastor of several churches in the Diocese of St. Cloud. He was put on leave following the filing of charges in Stearns County District Court, according to a statement by St. Cloud Bishop Patrick Neary. The Diocese of St. Cloud has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its parishioners, and the handling of this case will be closely watched.
The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within religious institutions. As the prosecution moves forward, it is essential to prioritize the victim’s safety and well-being, while also ensuring that justice is served. For more information on this case, please visit Here.
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