December 21, 2005

Davenport diocese searches for priest accused of molestation

DAVENPORT (IA)
Des Moines Register

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

December 20, 2005

The Davenport diocese is searching for a priest accused of sexually abusing children.

The Rev. William Wiebler, who is facing several sexual abuse lawsuits, has left a treatment program in St. Louis and has not made contact with church officials.

The diocese is ‘‘concerned that he’s running around loose in St. Louis,’’ said Rand Wonio, the diocese’s attorney.

‘‘We know the Archdiocese of St. Louis didn’t want him there. We sent a letter to the prosecuting attorney in St. Louis just to let them know he was there.’’

Wiebler left the Quad-Cities in 1985 and has been accused of abuse dating to the 1970s and 1980s. He moved to St. Louis more than a year ago and was ordered by the diocese to stay in a treatment program and avoid contact with minors, Wonio said.

Posted by kshaw at December 21, 2005 06:16 AM