Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester Catholics Schools System has announced it has been named in 16 lawsuits alleging clergy sex abuse.

The lawsuits were filed under a state law enacted in 2013 that provided a 3-year suspension of the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sex abuse to allow for the filing of lawsuits.

Fifteen of the lawsuits involve allegations of sexual abuse by former priests Thomas Adamson and Joseph Cashman, while the other lawsuit stems from allegations of sexual abuse in the mid-1980’s by the Jack Krough, who is deceased. The allegations involving Cashman

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and Adamson date back to the 1960’s and 1970’s.

The lawsuits allege the abuse of children occurred while the victims attended Lourdes High School, St. Francis of Assisi School, and St. Pius X School.

In the words of Bishop John Quinn of the Diocese of Winona, “There is much unknown in this process of litigation, and we are currently communicating between the diocese, parishes, and schools to be prepared to resolve claims in a just and equitable fashion. All of this preparation and planning is taking place to support victims and allow for the necessary healing...”

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