The Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota, has placed a priest on immediate leave and prohibited him from all public ministry after he was charged in Stearns County with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of stalking, and three counts of threats of violence toward one adult, according to a statement issued Nov. 27.
Bishop Patrick Neary was informed of the charges on Nov. 26 and removed Father Joseph Herzing from ministry the same day. His ministry status will remain pending until the outcome of the criminal case. Before his suspension, Fr. Herzing was serving as pastor of five parishes in rural central Minnesota, according to the diocese’s statement.
A retired priest has been appointed parochial administrator for the parishes.
According to reports from KNSI News, court documents describe a years-long relationship beginning in 2018 in which Fr. Herzing allegedly provided spiritual guidance to a woman while serving in Little Falls. According to the report, witnesses later told church authorities they observed intimate behavior between the two, and the woman reported multiple incidents of physical violence, including choking, threats to kill her, and dangerous driving behavior intended to cause a crash.
According to the diocese’s statement, diocesan leadership first received information in October 2022 regarding potential inappropriate behavior between Fr. Herzing and an adult. At the time, there was no indication of physical or sexual misconduct, and then-Bishop Donald Kettler placed him on administrative leave and sent him for professional evaluation. Fr. Herzing subsequently completed a residential treatment program.
After review by diocesan leadership, legal counsel and the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, Bishop Neary returned Fr. Herzing to ministry in June 2023 with limited duties and ongoing monitoring. In June 2024, Herzing was appointed pastor to the five parishes where he most recently served.
The diocese also reported that Bishop Neary was informed in September 2024 that a report was made to authorities related to the concerns raised in 2022 and that an investigation was underway.
According to the statement, “The bishop allowed Father Herzing to continue as pastor while remaining under restrictions and monitoring.”
In his public statement, Bishop Neary emphasized pastoral responsibility and transparency.
“We have a responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of every person,” he said. “My commitment is to ensure that our response is clear and rooted in care for all those affected. We will continue to cooperate fully with authorities and accompany our communities with honesty and compassion.”
According to reports from KNSI News, court documents describe a years-long relationship beginning in 2018 in which Herzing allegedly provided spiritual guidance to the woman while serving in Little Falls. According to the report, witnesses later told church authorities they observed intimate behavior between them, and the woman reported multiple incidents of physical violence, including choking, threats to kill her, and dangerous driving behavior intended to cause a crash.
Fr. Herzing’s next scheduled court appearance is Dec. 29.
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