Retired New Ulm priest banned from ministry after Texas sex abuse allegations surface
(New Ulm, MN) – A retired New Ulm priest has been permanently removed from active ministry after sexual abuse allegations arose from his previous diocese in Texas.
Fr. William Sprigler joined the Diocese of New Ulm in 1983, where he remained until his retirement in 2016. Sprigler continued to fill in for vacationing pastors in the diocese after retirement. He also provided temporary ministry in Florida during the winter months.
According to a joint release from Bishop John M. LeVoir of New Ulm and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio, Fr. Sprigler was accused of sexually abusing of two minors in 1976. The Archdiocese of San Antonio reported the discovery of the allegations to New Ulm, and Fr. Sprigler was immediately instructed to cease any public ministry.
San Antonio contacted New Ulm on January 3, following an investigation that determined the accusations against Sprigler were credible. A Diocese of New Ulm Review Board recommended to Bishop LeVoir that Sprigler be permanently removed from public ministry, which the bishop accepted.
Sprigler is now included on a list of priests who have credible allegations of sexual abuse made against them.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio says they have communicated to law enforcement what they know about the accusations and will fully cooperate in an investigation.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of New Ulm reports on their website that there were no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against Fr. Sprigler during the time he spent in New Ulm. Fr. Sprigler’s biography on the website shows that he also ministered parishes in Redwood Falls, Sanborn, Marshall, St. Peter, and St. James.
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