News Release: Clergy Abuse Trials Set for January 26

Trials Involving Notorious Priest Perpetrators Jerome Kern and Robert Thurner Set for January 26

First Clergy Abuse Cases to be Tried Under Child Victims Act

(St. Paul, MN) – Two cases involving priests of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will start trial on January 26, 2015.  These will be the first cases to go to trial under the Minnesota Child Victims Act.

Doe 23 was sexually abused as a child by Robert Thurner.  Thurner abused a number of children in the Archdiocese and is listed on the Archdiocese’s website as having substantiated abuse allegations.

Doe 26 was sexually abused as a child by Jerome Kern.  Jerome Kern sexually abused dozens of children in the Archdiocese and is listed on the Archdiocese’s site as being credibly accused of child sex abuse.

Jeff Anderson and Mike Finnegan represent both of the survivors.  A third case involving Thomas Stitts is also scheduled for trial the same day.

Jeff Anderson and Associates obtained the files on Kern, Thurner and Stitts in the Doe 1 case, among dozens of other files.  These are three of over 50 names listed on the Archdiocese’s website as a result of Jeff Anderson’s work in the Doe 1 case. The documents and files are available at andersonadvocates.com.