From Tim O’Malley, Director, Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Today, the Diocese of New Ulm authorized our release of the following statement from Bishop John M. LeVoir concerning Father James Devorak:
“The Diocese of New Ulm recently received notice of an allegation of sexual abuse against Fr. James Devorak when he was assigned at St. Pius X parish in Glencoe in the 1990s.
Police, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and affected parishes are being notified of this allegation.
Fr. Devorak is a retired priest of the Diocese of New Ulm. His last assignment in the Diocese of New Ulm ended in July 2015. From July 2015 to July 31, 2017, he was assigned within the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as a parochial vicar.
The Diocese of New Ulm is not aware of any other abuse allegations against Fr. Devorak.
Pending the investigation, the Diocese of New Ulm has removed Fr. Devorak from public ministry. In accord with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, this is standard procedure and it ensures the safety of all children and allows for an impartial investigation to be undertaken.”
Also today, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis contacted the Glencoe Police Department to notify them that we were posting this additional information.
Up until July 31, 2017, when the Archdiocese received notice that the Diocese of New Ulm had rescinded his testimonial letter of good standing, Fr. Devorak had been serving as parochial vicar at two parishes in the Archdiocese: Saint Rose of Lima and Corpus Christi, both in Roseville (see 7/31/17 posting here).
Under Archdiocesan policy, any allegation of sexual abuse that is “not manifestly false or frivolous” requires that the Archdiocese prohibit the accused priest from exercising priestly ministry pending the outcome of the investigation and pending a separate determination regarding his fitness for ministry in the Archdiocese.
The posting of this information about the allegation should not be construed to suggest a presumption of wrongdoing. Father Devorak has provided a statement to law enforcement and denies the allegation.
If anyone has information that may be beneficial to law enforcement, please contact the Glencoe Police Department.
