Crosier priest reinstated to ministry

Crosier Father Gregory Poser has been reinstated to public ministry following an investigation which concluded that a claim of sexual misconduct against him was unsubstantiated, according to an Aug. 30 news release from the Crosier Fathers and Brothers.

Bishop Donald Kettler has reinstated Father Poser’s priestly faculties, which he suspended last May while the investigation was conducted.

In May 2016, Father Poser was accused of sexually abusing a minor in the 1970s when he was serving at St. Odilia Church in Shoreview. Father Poser denied the allegation, which is the only accusation ever made against him, the Crosiers said.

The Crosier Province, in accordance with its sexual misconduct policies, immediately suspended Father Poser from all public ministry and placed him on administrative leave from his assignment at the parishes of Holy Cross in Onamia, St. Rita in Hillman, Sacred Heart in Wahkon and St. Therese in Vineland.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office initiated a criminal investigation, completing it in July 2016 and referring it to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for evaluation.

Following the conclusion of the investigation last March by Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, which involved no criminal charges, the Crosiers engaged an independent investigator to conduct a separate review to determine whether sufficient evidence could be found to substantiate misconduct by Father Poser.

Based on the results of this additional investigation, there was insufficient supporting evidence to substantiate misconduct by Father Poser, the Crosiers said. The provinces Review Board also evaluated the allegation and supported the conclusion of the independent investigation.

The Crosiers and the Diocese of St. Cloud take all reports of abuse seriously and encourage victims to come forward.  Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Roxann Storms can be contacted on a confidential line at (320) 248-1563.

Author: The Visitor

The Visitor is the official newpaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

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