Attorney Calls Latest Ruling in Piepenbrink Case 'Troubling'

A Dakota County judge ruled Wednesday that when former  pastor Leon Piepenbrink allegedly from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod (WELS) he did not do so in a confessional format. 

Put simply, Judge Edward Lynch ruled that when Piepenbrink admitted taking the money he was admitting guilt rather than giving statements during religious counseling. 

"The issue at hand is whether or not one can go into a confession with his minister and later on the minister release the confessional statements to the government," defense attorney Kenneth Ubong Udoibok told Patch. 

Udoibok added: "We take the position that Minn. Statute 595.02 applies and also all the privileges therein ... but [Wednesday] the court ruled that the confession does not apply. It is troubling, to say the least." 

Piepenbrink is accused of using church funds for personal items including bulletproof glass, a gun and a home security system. He allegedly told WELS colleagues he needed protection from a violent Hmong gang.   

that Piepenbrink admitted using the funds without authorization, but strictly for church-related work. 

"Every dime of what Pastor Piepenbrink spent was to develop churches in Southeast Asia," Udoibok said. "He was just helping needy people and now he's facing seven felony charges." 

Udoibok remains confident in his case despite Wednesday's setback. 

"We are ready for trial," Udoibok said. "Again, all of the expenditure that Paster Leon Piepenbrink used was related to evangelism work. No dime of that money went to him."

Piepenbrink's trial begins May 7. 

While the offenses against Piepenbrink each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstom's office confirmed it is seeking a maximum of 23 months behind bars.

No mention was made of a fine.