Hibbing Priest Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

Five charges have come down against a Hibbing priest accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Police arrested Brian Lederer, 29, Tuesday.

He made his first court appearance Thursday where he was charged with three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.

Lederer is a priest at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hibbing and was ordained in 2012.

He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of his case, according to the Diocese of Duluth.

While he is on leave, he is not allowed to minister as a priest or have contact with anyone under 18.

The diocese said it was not aware of any allegations against Lederer before he was arrested.

“We are all saddened by these events and especially for anyone who may have been hurt by sexual abuse,” said Father James Bissonette, vicar general of the diocese. “We remain absolutely committed to assisting victims, to ensuring justice is done and to doing all in our power to make our parishes and schools safe places for children.”