Kenosha Priest on Admin. Leave, Being Investigated by Police

By Bret Buganski
The Fox 6
November 20, 2013

http://fox6now.com/2013/11/20/kenosha-police-on-admin-leave-being-investigated-by-police/

[with video]

KENOSHA (WITI) — The priest at St. Peter’s Church in Kenosha is being investigated by police, and placed on administrative leave — and Facebook may have played a role.

The Kenosha parish learned this past weekend that its priest is no longer heading the congregation.

A deacon with St. Peter’s Catholic Church has confirmed the priest was placed on administrative leave for what is being called “a lack of good judgement.”

Kenosha police say the department is investigating a case involving a priest who has been removed from the parish because of his use of Facebook — but it is unclear what specifically the priest is accused of doing on Facebook, as is who may have uncovered his alleged activities.

The Kenosha priest belongs to the Marians of the Immaculate Conception — a religious order out of Stonebridge, Massachusetts. The Marians say the organization ordered the priest be removed.

The Milwaukee Archdiocese says it is aware of the investigation involving the priest, but a spokeswoman said it was up to the priest’s religious order, in this case, the Marians, to take action if criminal activity is found.

St. Peter’s says it has already placed a priest from another parish to act as the church’s administrator.

The Marians have hired lawyers in this matter, and the law firm says if criminal charges come out in this case, they will represent the priest.