Archdiocesan news

Priest reassigned to therapy program

From January 2005: Father Michael Freymuth investigated for 'inappropriate conduct'

Pending completion of an investigation into inappropriate conduct, an archdiocesan priest has been reassigned to a therapy and evaluation program, said Msgr. Richard Stika, episcopal vicar for child and youth protection.
Last month, during mediation of a lawsuit concerning another priest, allegations were raised about Father Michael Freymuth over events purported to have taken place approximately 20 years ago, said Bernard Huger, an attorney for the archdiocese. The allegations, which Huger stressed were not of sexual misconduct, included the priest taking a young boy into his room alone.
Archdiocesan officials first heard of the allegation Dec. 16, Huger said.
Shortly afterward Father Freymuth was removed from his assignments as chaplain at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School and part-time associate pastor at St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist Parish.
Father Freymuth is assigned to a program for priests who have had “spiritual, emotional or mental” difficulties, said Msgr. Stika. Father Freymuth has denied the allegation, said Msgr. Stika.