By Associated Press - Tuesday, June 4, 2019

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) - The attorney for a 94-year-old retired priest has entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to a sexual assault charge in La Crosse County Circuit Court.

Monsignor Bernard McGarty did not appear in court Monday for his hearing on fourth-degree sexual assault.

WXOW-TV reports that in the criminal complaint, the alleged victim told investigators that McGarty approached her as she sat on a bench outside the main La Crosse library on May 11. She said she told him she was homeless and he handed her $20.



The complaint says that McGarty took her arm and placed it in his lap with clear sexual intentions.

McGarty is currently free on a signature bond.

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Information from: WXOW-TV, http://www.wxow.com

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