Update On Case Involving Rev. James Devorak

Date: Friday, September 1, 2017
From Timothy O’Malley, Director, Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment

The Glencoe Police Department notified us August 31, 2017, that it completed its investigation into a recently revealed allegation of sexual abuse of a minor said to have occurred in 1994, when Father James Devorak was serving as a priest in the Diocese of New Ulm.  The police department advised that Father Devorak cooperated fully during the investigation and that no charges will be filed.  Father Devorak has denied any wrongdoing.

In the event that Father Devorak, having first been cleared for ministry by the Diocese of New Ulm, would seek to return to ministry in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the Archdiocese’s Ministerial Review Board would initiate our internal process by reviewing his case and assessing his fitness for ministry.  Following that, the MRB would make a recommendation to me and Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda.  After consultation, Archbishop Hebda would make the final determination of Father Devorak’s ministerial status.

For previous statements regarding Father Devorak, click here and here.