A Pewaukee priest is now on paid leave from his church, Queen of Apostles Parish, after a report is made to Waukesha County Child Protective Services.
SNAP (The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) said the priest is accused of “inappropriate contact" with a minor.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee wouldn’t comment on what exactly was reported or if a minor reported it, but did confirm the alleged victim reported, “inappropriate contact” with the priest on April 29.
The person told a different priest who then contacted Waukesha County Child Protective Services and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The Archdiocese then contacted law enforcement.
“Something happened obviously that led someone to report and without making a judgement about that it was immediately reported to authorities,” said Jerry Topczewski, Chief of Staff, with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Topczewski said the priest, whom we aren’t naming since he hasn’t been charged, has been a priest under the Archdiocese of Milwaukee since 1983. The archdiocese told TODAY’S TMJ4, this is the first time an allegation has been made against him.
For privacy reasons, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee isn’t naming the alleged victim.
“It’s always concerning when you receive an allegation of inappropriate behavior and so immediately we report it,” said Topczewski.
“The first thing that’s most important is to assure people it’s going to be professionally investigated and that a process is in place to do that,” he also said.
The Waukesha County Sheriffs Office is handling the case. The Waukesha County District Attorneys Office said no charges have been filed as of Monday.
If no charges are filed against the priest, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee said it will still likely do its own internal investigation.
TODAY’S TMJ4 went to the priest’s home, but his relatives told us he wasn’t there and they didn’t want to comment.
The Archdiocese said he’s still the priest of this Queen of Apostles Parish since he hasn’t been charged. His biography is still on the church’s website.
He remains on paid leave. He makes about $70,000 a year, per the Archdiocese.
