MADISON (WI)
Spectrum News [New York NY]
September 4, 2025
By Cody Taylor
This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call RAINN’s national sexual assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for confidential support.
MADISON, Wis. — There are new accusations against a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Madison who was already accused of child sex crimes.
What You Need To Know
Andrew J. Showers was arrested in Clintonville in August; criminal charges were filed on Aug. 27. He was 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
Now, there is another accusation against Showers. Patricia Moriarty is accusing Showers of sexually assaulting her in Chicago
Spectrum News 1 reached out to the Chicago Police Department regarding the incident and has received no response
Spectrum News 1 reached out to the diocese for a response to the allegations. The diocese referred us to a statement it released on Aug. 25 that read,“Following canon law protocols, Fr. Showers will be completely restricted from all exercise of public ministry while the investigation is ongoing”
Andrew J. Showers was arrested in Clintonville in August; criminal charges were filed on Aug. 27. He was 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.
An initial statement from the diocese said that no prior allegations of misconduct were filed against Showers.
However, days later, the diocese acknowledged that a complaint was filed against him in 2021.
According to a police report from the Lodi Police Department, Showers asked a child inappropriate questions during confession at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lodi.
After talking with the child and the child’s father, police determined that the incident did not rise to the level of a criminal act.
Now, there is another accusation against Showers.
On Thursday, Patricia Moriarty shared her story with Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin.
Patricia Moriarty is accusing Showers of sexually assaulting her in Chicago.
“It meant revisiting an experience that left me feeling powerless, but I knew staying silent would only protect those that are selfish and wrong,” Patricia Moriarty said.Patricia Moriarty is accusing Showers of sexually assaulting her in Chicago. (Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)
Patricia Moriarty said the incident happened in 2024. She said she filed a police report.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to the Chicago Police Department regarding the incident and has received no response
Patricia Moriarty’s father, John Moriarty, said he contacted the diocese right after the alleged incident happened.
He said he asked to speak to Bishop Donald Hying.
“I was basically pushed aside and told that, ‘In time you will be able to speak with him, but for right now, we need to do our internal investigation,’” John Moriarty said.[PHOTO: Patricia Moriarty’s father, John Moriarty, said he contacted the diocese right after the alleged incident happened. (Spectrum News 1/Cody Taylor)]
Spectrum News 1 reached out to the diocese for a response to the allegations. The diocese referred us to a statement it released on Aug. 25 that read:
“Following canon law protocols, Fr. Showers will be completely restricted from all exercise of public ministry while the investigation is ongoing.”
Peter Isely is a survivor of childhood sexual assault by a different Wisconsin priest.
He is one of the founding members of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP).
Isely said he feels that the attorney general needs to investigate Showers more thoroughly
“We want the attorney general to investigate this; we want him to get records and files, and we want the Vatican to investigate this and the bishop for what he has done,” Isely said.
Isely said he and his team believe there are more victims out there.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice sent this statement to Spectrum News 1:
“Throughout the Wisconsin Department of Justice Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative, we have encouraged victims to report to us, regardless of if they had previously reported to law enforcement or a faith organization, or if the alleged crime was past the statute of limitations. When we receive reports from victims, those reports are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of a victim specialist, criminal investigator, and a prosecutor. At times, we have provided information about abuse reports to faith organizations, but only when receiving consent from the victim. We also have ensured that law enforcement is notified as appropriate.
“In April 2024, survivor advocates spoke with staff from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services about the alleged sexual assault in Chicago perpetrated by Father Showers. The survivor advocates informed Wisconsin DOJ staff that the victim had reported the allegation to Chicago law enforcement, that they had encouraged the victim also to report her allegation to Wisconsin DOJ, and that they would be meeting with her again.
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation assisted the Clintonville Police Department in the investigation and arrest of Mr. Showers.
“Because this is a pending criminal matter, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has no further comment.”
Patricia Moriarty is encouraging them to come forward.
”Anyone that is able to continue to harm anyone and continue to cause pain is utterly disappointing and I think that not only Catholics, but the general population as a whole, expects a lot more,” Patricia Moriarty said.
Showers’ initial court appearance is set for Sept. 30. He is barred from having contact with minors while the case is ongoing.