St. Cloud (trfnews.i234.me) A Catholic priest serving the St. Cloud Diocese is facing more criminal exposure in a sexual assault case.
Prosecutors have notified the court that they plan to add another charge against 61-year-old Father Joseph Paul Herzing.
He was already charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
He is also charged with stalking and three counts of threats of violence.
Prosecutors now say they intend to add a second count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Allegations In The Case
Authorities allege the victim was a woman he was counseling.
They allege the assault happened at Herzing’s home in St. Cloud.
Authorities also allege the woman was choked during the incident.
They allege threats were made to kill her.
Prosecutors say there were multiple instances of sexual contact.
They have asked the court to consider aggravating factors at sentencing.
A judge would decide any sentence if there is a conviction.
Church Action After Charges
Herzing was ordained in 1999 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, according to the report.
The St. Cloud Diocese placed him on leave after charges were filed.
The charges were filed on Nov. 26, according to the information provided.
What Happens Next
The request to add a charge is part of the court process.
The court will decide if the added count moves forward.
Case scheduling and hearings are expected to continue in the district court.
Criminal charges are accusations and are not proof of guilt.
Herzing is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Helpful Links
Readers can review Minnesota criminal statutes at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Court process information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
How many is that for Minnesota now ?
St. Cloud priest faces new sex assault charge