ST. CLOUD — A St. Cloud-area Catholic priest has been charged with stalking, criminal sexual conduct and violence against a woman he was spiritually advising.

Joseph Paul Herzing, 61, of Milaca, was charged Wednesday, Nov. 26, by the Stearns County Attorney’s Office. He faces one count each of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and stalking, and three counts of threats of violence in connection with the abuse and intimidation.

According to the criminal complaint, the abuse occurred between May 2018 and October 2022. Herzing served as a priest in Little Falls and St. Cloud during the time of the incidents.

St. Cloud police began investigating Herzing in August 2024, following a report from the woman who said she received spiritual advice, aid, and comfort in the form of confession from

See Full Page