Green Bay Diocese’s investigation clears priest of abuse

WISCONSIN
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

By Raquel Rutledge of the Journal Sentinel June 15, 2013

An investigation into alleged abuse by Father Justin Werner, a retired priest, has concluded the accusation was unsubstantiated, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay announced Saturday.

Werner was accused in April of abusing a minor in the 1970s at St. Edward Parish in Mackville, just north of Appleton. Werner denied the allegation.

According to Saturday’s statement from the diocese:

An independent professional investigator concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated and restrictions on Werner’s ministry have been lifted by Bishop David Ricken.

Werner had been temporarily restricted from performing any public ministry pending the outcome of the investigation.

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