Wausau Police: Priest Cited after Requesting Inappropriate Contact during Massage

WSAW
December 12, 2014

http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/285666531.html

[with video]


An 89-year-old Monsignor in the La Crosse Diocese has been issued a disorderly conduct citation after he's accused of asking a Wausau massage therapist to touch his genitals.

The incident happened around 3:45 p.m. Thursday at a salon in Wausau.

According to the citation, Bernard McGarty was dressed in full robes and said he was in town for a funeral and was heading back to La Crosse following the massage. The massage therapist told police McGarty was demanding and she was scared. According to the citation, the massage therapist told police she said 'no' and McGarty then called her a derogatory name.

"I think it's unfortunate that someone who represents the Catholic church and arrives discussing the fact he's a priest in the Catholic Church and is dressed in the robes of a Catholic priest would behave in that manner. Which is unfortunate if anyone would behave that manner but I think everyone expects priests and individuals in the clergy role to behave in a better manner,” said Wausau Police Lieutenant Matt Barnes.

McGarty was not arrested. He was issued a $250 ticket.