Retired Wisconsin priest suspended from church activities over ‘vague’ sexual misconduct claim

Retired priest suspended on ‘vague allegations’

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Diocese of Superior in Wisconsin has suspended a retired Catholic priest from church activities while police investigate allegations of sexual misconduct.

Douglas County District Attorney Dan Blank says an attorney for the diocese in Wisconsin contacted him with “vague allegations” and he reported the matter to Superior police.

Police Capt. Chad La Lor said Wednesday that detectives are investigating allegations made against the priest of “inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature” involving a 19-year-old. Diocese spokesman Richard Lyons says the alleged victim was a young man.

The suspension comes amid a worsening global clergy abuse scandal focused on how Pope Benedict XVI has dealt with problem priests in his past church roles.