Father Herzing Charged with Five Felonies

According to court documents, Father Joseph Herzing, a priest of the diocese of St. Cloud, was charged on November 26, in Stearns County District Court, with multiple felony offenses stemming from alleged conduct involving a single adult.

The charges include felony stalking for an alleged pattern of conduct intended to terrorize the victim, third-degree criminal sexual conduct for alleged sexual penetration while in a prohibited occupational relationship, and three felony counts of threats of violence.

The charges carry potential prison sentences ranging from five to 15 years per count and up to $80,000 in fines remain pending in court.

The St. Cloud Police Department began investigating a report of sexual abuse on August 1, 2024, involving allegations made by an adult woman against Herzing.

The complainant, identified in court documents as Adult A, reported experiencing sexual and physical violence by Herzing over a period spanning from 2018 to 2022. During that time, Herzing served as a Catholic priest in Little Falls and later in St. Cloud...

Subscribe to get the rest of the story...