Diocese of St. Cloud Priest Charged With Sexual Misconduct, Removed From Ministry

(KNSI) – A priest in the Diocese of St. Cloud has been charged after allegedly forcing a woman to have a sexual relationship with him while he provided spiritual guidance to her.

Father Aaron John Kuhn was charged by summons on Tuesday in Stearns County District Court on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to the criminal complaint, the St. Cloud Police Department began investigating the 47-year-old in August 2024 after the woman told police she received counsel from Kuhn between November 2019 and October 2022, and during that time, he allegedly manipulated and pressured her into having a sexual relationship. The victim says she repeatedly asked Kuhn to stop. The acts took place on multiple occasions in Wadena, Stearns and Benton counties. Court documents say officers interviewed several witnesses affiliated with the church who confirmed Kuhn had acknowledged having sexual contact with the victim while he was offering spiritual direction.

Kuhn served the parishes that make up Mary Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community. Its churches include St. Ann in Wadena, St. John the Baptist in Bluffton, St. Joseph in Bertha, Assumption of Our Lady in Menahga, St. Frederick in Verndale, St. Hubert in Bluegrass, Sacred Heart in Staples and St. Michael in Motley.

A statement emailed to KNSI News said Bishop Patrick Neary has placed Kuhn on full administrative leave, effective immediately. He was removed from active ministry in June 2024 when the report of sexual misconduct first surfaced. He underwent a professional evaluation and subsequently received residential treatment. Bishop Neary was notified in October 2024 that a report had been made to authorities after Father Kuhn entered treatment. The diocesan Crisis Response Team held parish meetings following the initial report in June. Following diocesan protocols, upon completing treatment in December 2024, Father Kuhn was assigned to the Chancery offices, assisting with the administrative work of the diocesan Tribunal and Office of Canonical Affairs in St. Cloud. A safety plan and procedures were put in place and continue to be monitored.

Kuhn was ordained to the priesthood on June 16th, 2007, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. Father Kuhn served as parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Augustine Parish in St. Cloud and Christ Church Newman Center from June 2007 to July 2010; studied for Canon Law Licentiate at Catholic University, Washington, D.C., from July 2010 to 2013.

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