McGarty pleads no contest in Wausau massage case

WISCONSIN
LaCrosse Tribune

By Chris Hubbuch

Diocese bars McGarty from ministry in misconduct case

The Diocese of La Crosse has barred Monsignor Bernard McGarty from public ministry while it investigates his being fined for disorderly conduc… Read more

Monsignor Bernard McGarty was convicted of non-criminal disorderly conduct this week in connection with a December incident involving a massage therapist.

McGarty, an 89-year-old retired priest, pleaded no contest Monday in Wausau Municipal Court and paid a $250 fine for the non-criminal disorderly conduct citation.

The Diocese of La Crosse barred Monsignor Bernard McGarty from public ministry while it investigated the incident. A diocese spokesman was not immediately available to comment Thursday.

McGarty was not arrested but was issued a $250 ticket after he lifted the covering off of his groin during a massage and asked the masseuse to rub his genitals.

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