Earlier this summer, I reported about a false accusation that was made against me. Although I denied the allegation, I chose to voluntarily step away from ministry while this was being investigated by local authorities. Today, Fr. Brian Schieber, the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel and Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese, announced that I had been cleared and am returning to ministry:
The Linn County Sheriff’s Department has now completed its investigation, finding that there was no evidence of a crime, and no probable cause to support the filing of any charges against Fr. Shawn. Fr. Shawn is no longer the subject of any investigation, and the matter is now closed. In other words, the investigation by Linn County authorities reached the same conclusion as our own investigation back in May of 2017… Today, I’m happy to welcome him back to priestly ministry.
Following the announcement by Fr. Brian, I then preached the homily at all the Masses this weekend. While I am grateful to have been cleared of the false accusations against me, I know I am not completely without blame in all this. As I asked four months ago, I ask you to continue to pray for the person who made this accusation and her family. This weekend’s homily is a chance for me to explain some things, to apologize, and then to express my own commitment to God going forward. In short, I am ALL IN.
Full Text of Fr. Brian’s Statement