St. Cloud Priest Charged With Sexually Exploiting Woman During Spiritual Guidance

ST. CLOUD, MN — A Roman Catholic priest has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct after prosecutors say he used his position as a spiritual advisor to pressure and manipulate a woman into sexual acts over several years.

According to the criminal complaint, Aaron John Kuhn, 47, "engaged in multiple acts of sexual contact" with a woman between November 2019 and October 2022.

Police began investigating after receiving a tip. Kuhn was providing the woman with spiritual direction at the time, the complaint states.

"Adult A provided details that demonstrated the defendant’s use of his role as a spiritual advisor to manipulate and pressure her into engaging in sexual acts," police said. "She reported that the abuse escalated over time and that she repeatedly asked the defendant to stop."

The abuse occurred "on multiple occasions and in multiple locations across Wadena, Stearns and Benton counties," investigators wrote.

Law enforcement interviewed multiple witnesses affiliated with the church who, according to the complaint, "confirmed that the defendant acknowledged having sexual contact with Adult A during the time he was providing her with spiritual direction."

According to MPR News, Kuhn previously served as pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community, which includes several parishes in central Minnesota.

St. Cloud Bishop Patrick Neary said he placed Kuhn on administrative leave in June 2024 after receiving "an allegation of sexual misconduct involving an adult."

In a statement on Wednesday, the Diocese of St. Cloud said Kuhn has been placed on full administrative leave effective immediately and "removed from active ministry."

"The diocese is cooperating with authorities and encourages all victims of abuse to come forward," the statement added. "Bishop Neary asks that people keep everyone affected by this situation in prayer."