Msgr. Bernard McGarty fails to appear at hearing
news8000.com
Posted: Jun 03, 2019 10:50 PM CDT
Updated: Jun 03, 2019 10:50 PM CDT
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – Monsignor Bernard McGarty with the Diocese of La Crosse was officially charged with 4th degree sexual assault in La Crosse County court today…. even though McGarty failed to show up for his court hearing.
According to the criminal complaint, a woman accused McGarty of offering her money for sex, trying to kiss her and taking her hand and putting it on his genitals.
McGarty’s attorney, Cheryl Gill had this to say about why the 94-year-old wasn’t in court today, “Monsignor McGarty is 94-years-old and he has some difficulty getting out and about, notwithstanding this particular charge, so I will try to get him in here. ”
While Judge Todd Bjerke responded, “Well, I know he’s been out and about so let’s have him in here by 4 o’clock on Friday. ”
Back in 2014, McGarty was cited in Wausau for disorderly conduct after exposing himself to a massage therapist in a salon.
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Retired monsignor pleads not guilty to sexual assault charge
WIZM News Talk Radio
03 June 2019
A retired La Crosse priest pleaded not guilty to a charge of 4th degree sexual assault.
Monsignor Bernard McGarty did not personally appear in court Monday to be charged with allegedly approaching a woman on a park bench and offering to pay her for sex.
The incident reportedly happened in May, outside the main branch of the La Crosse Public Library.
The 94-year-old McGarty is on leave from the La Crosse Diocese while his case is in court.
Judge Todd Bjerke asked McGarty’s attorney to try reaching a settlement in the case before the next scheduled hearing on Aug. 8.
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UPDATE Diocese releases statement on La Crosse Priest Charged with 4th Degree Sexual Assault
Monsignor Bernard McGarty is 94-years-old
news8000.com
Posted: May 17, 2019 06:42 PM CDT
Updated: May 18, 2019 11:18 PM CDT
LA CROSSE, Wis,. (WKBT) – Update: The Diocese of La Crosse has released a statement on the charge that Monsignor Bernard McGarty committed fourth degree sexual assault.
The Diocese says:
“On May 16, 2019, the Diocese of La Crosse learned of a recent situation at the La Crosse Public Library involving Msgr. Bernard McGarty, 94, a retired priest of the Diocese of La Crosse. According to diocesan policy Msgr. McGarty, from this moment forward, is on a leave of absence from public ministry while this current situation is being investigated. Due to this being an ongoing investigation, the Diocese of La Crosse has no further
Original story: Monsignor Bernard McGarty with the Diocese of La Crosse is charged with fourth degree sexual assault.
According to the criminal complaint, a woman reported that the 94-year-old priest approached her on a bench behind the Main Library on Saturday, May 11th.
The report also states that the victim accuses McGarty of offering her money for sex, trying to kiss her and taking her hand and putting it on his genitals.
An employee of the library was able to find the surveillance video of that day, which appears to corroborate the woman’s story.
McGarty was released on a signature bond.
Back in 2014, McGarty was cited in Wausau for disorderly conduct after exposing himself to a massage therapist in a salon.
