Priest Allegedly Exposes Himself at Winnebago County Gas Station

By Samantha Jeffreys
WREX
May 23, 2014

http://www.wrex.com/story/25599377/2014/05/23/priest-allegedly-exposes-himself-at-winnebago-county-gas-station


The Rockford Diocese has released a statement regarding the allegations against Aaron Brodeski. It identifies Brodeski as a monsignor in the Church and says he has served as a priest of the diocese since 1998.

The statement says Winnebago County authorities notified the diocese of an investigation into Msgr. Brodeski last month and in cooperation, he agreed to be immediately placed on leave from his assignment at Holy Cross Parish in Batavia. The diocese says he was then sent for evaluation and possible treatment for "any difficulties affecting his conduct and ministry." Msgr. Brodeski was arrested following his return from evaluation.

Penny Wiegert, Rockford Diocese director of communications, said Msgr. Brodeski will stay on leave "during this process."

ORIGINAL STORY:

A 44-year-old Catholic priest assigned to a parish in Batavia turned himself in to Winnebago County authorities Friday on two misdemeanor counts of Public Indecency.

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department says deputies responded to the Road Ranger in the 4900 block of South Main Street on March 27 for reports of a man who had exposed himself to an employee. Deputies say they spoke to a clerk at the store who said a man had been inside the business and exposed himself while in the store and also while parked in a vehicle in the store's lot. Other employees and customers were also inside at the time.

The man left the scene but deputies say they obtained his license plate number and additional follow-up led them to Aaron R. Brodeski. Brodeski is a Catholic priest in the Rockford Diocese who is assigned to a Batavia parish. He turned himself in to Winnebago County authorities Friday, May 23.

Brodeski was charged with two misdemeanor counts of Public Indecency.

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department said in a statement the Rockford Diocese and Bishops office were told of the investigation and "have been very cooperative and helpful."