BishopAccountability.org
	Former Priest Named in Archdiocese Records Alleging Sexual Abuse By Natalie Arnold WBAY-TV - ABC2 February 9, 2008 http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=7840327 The recent release of hundreds of secret documents by the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese has people in Mayville on edge again. The records, which detail numerous allegations of child sexual abuse, center on Mayville resident and former priest Franklyn Becker. Many in Mayville say they had no idea that an ex-priest accused of child sexual abuse was living in their community. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm unhappy to hear that," Mayville resident Gene Frings reacted. But the city's police chief says Becker was on their radar as soon as he moved to the Dodge County community about ten years ago. "That came out of a warrant from California that we were going to serve on him," Chief Bill Linzenmeyer said. At the time, Mayville police arrested the former priest for the San Diego Police Department on charges of sexual assault, but the chief says Becker was released when it was determined the statute of limitations on that case ran out. Not only that Mayville, but police say they've had to investigate a couple of complaints in recent years against Becker. One was a suspicious incident at the aquatic center. Police investigated a report that Becker went into the boys locker room for no apparent reason. "We could not show anything that he was doing other than just being there, and he had a right to be there -- it's a public building," Chief Linzenmeyer said. For many, that is quickly becoming the bottom line. Becker has never been convicted, and he has the same rights they do. "Pretty much, sorry to say. What can I do about it, other than watch closely to see what's happening," Frings expressed. Action 2 News tried repeatedly to contact Becker but we received no response.
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