Charges: Wadena priest sexually assaulted woman over 3-year period

A Wadena priest is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman over the course of three years.

Court records show Aaron John Kuhn, 47, was charged Tuesday with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

A criminal complaint states that St. Cloud police initiated an investigation into Kuhn, a Catholic priest, at the beginning of August after a victim came forward with sexual assault allegations.

The victim told police that Kuhn assaulted her on multiple occasions across Wadena, Stearns and Benton Counties between November 2019 and October 2022, the complaint said.

Kuhn was meeting with the victim to provide her “spiritual direction,” but used his role to manipulate and pressure her into engaging in sexual acts, court records allege. The victim added that the abuse escalated over time, stating she repeatedly asked Kuhn to stop.

Several witnesses from the church told investigators that Kuhn acknowledged having “sexual contact” with the victim while providing her with guidance.

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