After investigating Missouri Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse, state Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced Friday that he has referred 12 former clergy members for possible criminal prosecution.
Schmitt released a 329-page report detailing his office’s year-long investigation that included interviews with victims and a review of personnel records dating back to 1945 of more than 2,000 priests and 300 deacons, seminarians and religious women.
The attorney general’s office found 163 clergy members who had been accused of sexual abuse or misconduct of minors.
Of the 163, one case is currently under investigation by the church and five cases already were being investigated by local prosecutors. Sixteen cases had been referred for criminal prosecution in the past.
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