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Archdiocese suit in Ramsey County dismissed

The judge is satisfied that the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis has implemented changes under monitoring by Ramsey County to prevent child sex abuse.

ST PAUL, Minn. — Tuesday marked the end of a five-year case against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis that began with allegations the archdiocese didn't do enough to prevent and stop child sex abuse by priests.

"I've said it before, but it bears repeating. We failed you," said Archbishop Bernard Hebda to three former victims of priest abuse attending a press conference held by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi.

Choi and Hebda announced Tuesday that Catholic churches and schools are safer now for children than they were five years ago.

"This is like a marathon without a finish line," Choi said.

Five years ago, Choi filed criminal charges and a civil suit against the Archdiocese after three brothers - Ben, Luke and Steven Hoffman - came forward to say they were sexually abused by former St. Paul priest Curtis Wehmeyer when they were boys.

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Now adults, the brothers played a big role in instituting change at the archdiocese. Under court order, Ramsey County oversaw the archdiocese develop its plan to create systemic change.

Now they have increased background checks, accountability for priests and involvement of victim-survivors to create policy.

"That's a game changer," Hebda said.

"Most importantly, because I think this is what matters about moving forward, is that this never happens again to anyone," Choi said.

Moving forward, a ministerial review board will take over for the county, overseeing the safety of children within the Catholic church.

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