WAUKESHA (WI)
FOX6 News
October 15, 2018
Father Chuck Hanel made his initial appearance in Waukesha County court on Monday, Oct. 15 — charged with second degree sexual assault of a child. Hanel has been ordered not to have any unsupervised contact with any child under 18 while his case moved forward.
Fr. Hanel is the pastor of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Pewaukee. He is accused of inappropriately touching a 13-year-old girl during confession. Hanel remains on administrative leave until the charge is resolved.
“I am dumbfounded and heartbroken to be accused of harming a child. I have never hurt or abused a minor in my over 35 years of priesthood, nor have I ever contemplated doing so. In the meantime, as this process plays out, I will continue to pray for my accuser and her family every day — and, even though I am innocent of this crime,” Hanel said to reporters after his court appearance on Monday.
There was a group of parishioners in the courtroom — to show their support for the pastor.
“It really makes me feel stronger that so many people are supporting me and believe in me,” Hanel said.
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