Jamestown Police Department arrest priest on sexual exploitation charges

(Jamestown, ND) -- A priest in the Diocese of Fargo is now in police custody following accusations of sexual exploitation of adults in Stutsman County.

The Fargo Diocese released a statement speaking on the arrest of Father Pfeifer, who was arrested on February 1st "on suspicion of committing sexual exploitation by therapist" in the county. 

"I removed Father Neil Pfeifer from active ministry pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct on his part,” said the Most Reverend John Folda, Bishop of Fargo, “Today I have learned that Father Pfeifer was arrested...The Diocese of Fargo is cooperating fully with the investigation. Please pray for all involved.”

Father Pfeifer was a priest at the Basilica of St. James in Jamestown, St. Margaret Mary in Buchanan, and St. Mathias in Windsor. Authorities say anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department, or by contacting the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

You can see our previous reporting when Father Pfeifer was temporarily removed from the ministry earlier this year by clicking here.