No Charges Issued against Wauwatosa Priest

By Annysa Johnson
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
April 13, 2013

http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/no-charges-issued-against-catholic-priest-689hj5j-202776981.html

A Catholic priest who was suspended from ministry at two parishes and elementary schools last month after an allegation of having inappropriate contact with a student will not face criminal charges, the Milwaukee County district attorney's office and his religious order said Friday.

The Society of the Divine Savior said it had been notified by the district attorney's office that no charges would be brought against Father Robert Marsicek, who was relieved of his duties at Pius X parish in Wauwatosa, Wauwatosa Catholic School and Mother of Good Counsel parish and school in Milwaukee shortly before Easter. Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern said prosecutors could not prove the elements of a criminal offense based on the facts gathered in the investigation.

Father Joseph Rodrigues, provincial of the Milwaukee-based order known as the Salvatorians, said Marsicek would remain off the job until the order completes its own review.

Marsicek, 71, was removed from his posts on Holy Thursday after a teacher at Wauwatosa Catholic observed behavior she believed to be "questionable or inappropriate," according to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, which oversees Catholic schools in the 10-county area.

Because teachers are required by law to report suspicions involving children, it was reported to Wauwatosa Police.

Marsicek has served as pastor at Pius X, 2506 Wauwatosa Ave., since 2001, and he took on responsibility for Mother of Good Counsel, 6924 W. Lisbon Ave., later. He had been planning to retire in December, according to Rodrigues.

Wauwatosa Catholic, at 1500 Wauwatosa Ave., is the result of the 2011 merger of Pius X and St. Bernard elementary schools.

A Michigan native, Marsicek was ordained in 1968 and has served in parishes in Wisconsin, Arizona, Alabama and California.