Diocese Receives Allegation of Abuse

Fox 11
April 13, 2013

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/diocese-receives-allegation-of-abuse

GREEN BAY - The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay says it has received an allegation of abuse of a minor against Father Justin N. Werner.

The Diocese said in a press release Saturday Father Werner denies the allegation.

Diocesan officials say Father Werner, a senior (retired) priest, has been temporarily restricted from performing any public ministry pending the outcome of a complete review. That includes an investigation by an independent professional investigator.

The Diocese says the abuse is alleged to have happened at St. Edward Parish in Mackville in the 1970s. Diocesan officials say they have notified Outagamie County authorities of the allegation following its mandatory reporting policy.

FOX 11 checked with Outagamie County regarding the report, but authorities said they weren't aware of any recent complaints relating to an allegation of abuse by a priest. The records department was closed Saturday.

According to the Diocese, it is pastorally assisting both the person bringing the allegation and Father Werner.

Diocesan officials say they will have no further comment, because it is an ongoing investigation.

Father Werner did not immediately return a call from FOX 11 seeking comment on this story.