BARABOO (WI)
Baraboo News Republic
Brian Bridgeford
BARABOO - Baraboo priest Father Gerald Vosen will defend his reputation against sexual abuse charges when his defamation lawsuit against a Janesville man and his family goes to court next week.
Vosen, former pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church, is scheduled to be in Rock County Circuit Court in Janesville Monday for the civil action against Peter L. Arnold and his parents, Leland and Nancy Arnold. According to court documents, they told church authorities in 2003 that Vosen abused Peter when he was 11 and 12 years old while Vosen was pastor at Janesville's St. John Vianney Catholic Parish in 1989-1991.
Vosen's supporters will gather at the church's new parking lot on East and Second streets at 8 a.m. Monday, said Kathy Siberz, a parish member. They will car pool to Janesville for the trial, she said.
"Certainly, anyone who would like to support father is welcome to join us," she said. "This is just a few of us who support Father Vosen and want to clear his name and who believe him."