Catholic College’s Fr. Macdonald Fired for Improper Conduct and Language with Students; Lpd Investigating

By Joshua Scheer
County 10
December 4, 2012

county10.com/2012/11/27/catholic-colleges-fr-macdonald-fired-for-improper-conduct-and-language-with-students-lpd-investigating/


Wyoming Catholic College’s Chaplain Father Stuart MacDonald has been fired, effective Nov. 19, apparently for “unacceptable” behavior. The Lander Police Department said today an investigation was launched this month after allegations were lodged against the Chaplain.

“His dismissal is subsequent to an internal investigation by the College which revealed Reverend MacDonald’s improper conduct and language with the College’s students and a pattern of behavior unacceptable as a Catholic college chaplain,” states a news release from the college. The release was dated Nov. 19, though it was not received until Nov. 26.

When contacted by County10.com on Monday, WCC President Father Robert Cook said he had no additional comment on the situation. He said the press release speaks for itself.

“We currently have an open investigation into allegations of misconduct,” Lander Police Chief Jim Carey said Tuesday morning.

Carey referenced allegations that were mentioned in an anonymous letter that was widely distributed and received by County10.com. Carey would not say when the investigation began, but confirmed it was not due to the letter. The letter, which appeared to be sent from someone close to the college, was postmarked Nov. 23.

Due to the implications of the allegations, Carey said, “We are making sure we are very thorough and complete.”

Carey would not comment whether there are charges pending.

“The United States Department of Homeland Security has been notified that Reverend MacDonald’s employment Visa should be terminated,” the college’s release states.

According to a blog written by MacDonald, he is a priest of the Diocese of St. Catharines in Ontario, Canada.

“Wyoming Catholic College is taking steps to communicate this information within the College community, while reaching out to our students to affirm their needs at this time,” the release states.

(This story was initially reported on County10.com on Monday, Nov. 26.)