FARGO (KFGO) - A law enforcement report says the Diocese of Fargo had concerns about the behavior of a priest who worked at a parish in Walhalla before he moved to Richland County, where he was later investigated for his alleged behavior with children.
The report says Fr. Thomas Feltman was given additional training about "proper boundaries" and told to be "careful" after some people in Walhalla thought Feltman "rough housed" too much with females. The report says feltman was seen tickling and wrestling with children, but there was no indication of improper touching.Feltman was later investigated in Richland county, where prosecutors concluded that Feltman's touching was socially inappropriate, but there was no evidence of a sex crime.
The report also contains several statements in support of Feltman. One woman calls Feltman a "gentle, fun-loving holy man." Another person says Feltman is “a good person, kind, outgoing, considerate, loving” and an “excellent pastor.”
Feltman's attorney, Bruce Quick, says Feltman has always denied any wrongdoing.
Feltman will remain on administrative leave until an internal investigation is completed. Feltman is the pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Wyndmere and St. Arnold's Church in Milnor.