JANESVILLE (WI)
Baraboo News Republic
By Ryan J. Foley (Associated Press) and Molly Borgstrom (News Republic)
JANESVILLE - Supporters of suspended Baraboo priest Gerald Vosen cried and took turns hugging him in back of the courtroom Thursday after Vosen lost a defamation suit against a man who claims the priest sexually abused him as a child.
Vosen said he does not know what to do now that his attempt to clear his name in court failed.
"I'm just very surprised and very disappointed," he said.
The priest didn't react during the reading of the verdict but seemed shaken as he stood among his attorney and supporters for about 15 minutes afterward.
The decision also stunned Vosen's supporters, who had attended the four-day trial in support of the long-time priest. They filled the courtroom to stand behind the man they described as gentle and caring.