Wisconsin Woman Alleges Sexual Assault by Priest Already Facing Child Sex Crime Charges
MADISON, WISCONSIN – A Wisconsin woman has come forward alleging she was sexually assaulted by a Madison priest already facing felony child sex crime charges. The new claims add to mounting pressure on church leaders and state investigators to act.
Survivor Speaks at Wisconsin Capitol
Patricia Moriarty shared her story on Thursday during a press conference at the Wisconsin State Capitol, standing alongside Nate’s Mission and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).
“Despite the difficulties involved in coming forward, I am determined to reclaim my voice and my power,” Moriarty said while tearing up. “I share my story not just for myself, but for everyone who is still carrying their pain in silence like I once did.”
Moriarty said she was with friends in Chicago in January 2024 when the priest, Father Andrew Showers, introduced himself. She alleged that he then groped her under her clothing and spoke in a sexually inappropriate way.
Concerns Raised About Church Response
Moriarty’s father reportedly contacted the Diocese of Madison to report the incident. According to Nate’s Mission, Bishop Donald Hying did not return his call and instead directed the family to fill out forms.
Frustrated, the family turned to the Chicago Police Department, which has since opened an investigation.
Priest Arrested in Child Sex Sting
The allegations come as Showers, 37, already faces charges in Waupaca County after allegedly attempting to arrange sex with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. In reality, he had been communicating with a Clintonville Police Department sergeant posing as a minor.
Investigators said Showers sent sexually explicit messages and a photo of himself exposing his genitals before attempting to meet the fictitious teen at a park. Police arrested him after finding hotel room keys in his possession.
He is charged with Attempted Second-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child, Attempted Child Enticement, and Attempted Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime. Court records show he posted a $10,000 bond on August 28 and is scheduled to return to court on September 30.
Previous Concerns Within the Diocese
The Diocese of Madison has acknowledged that in December 2021, police were contacted by a parent who was concerned about questions Showers asked their middle school-aged child during confession. At the time, police determined the conduct did not constitute a criminal act.
Bishop Hying later admitted that the diocese had failed to disclose this prior report in its initial communications.
Currently, Showers is banned from public ministry and prohibited from any contact with minors while the case proceeds.
Broader State Investigation
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul launched an inquiry in 2021 into abuse by clergy and church officials. Advocates say this case should push the state to demand full compliance.
“There are tens of thousands of pages of internal church files about abusers across this state and what church officials have done or not done with them,” said SNAP co-founder Peter Isely. “As of today, no diocese or religious order has complied with the request for documents, and we feel this case could give the Attorney General what he needs to issue subpoenas.”
The AG’s office has already outlined its ongoing clergy abuse investigation, but survivor groups are urging stronger action.
Moriarty says her goal in speaking publicly is to encourage other survivors to come forward and to push for reforms that will prevent further abuse. For continuing coverage of this developing case and other statewide investigations, follow for more.