WAUSAU (WI)
WSAW [Wausau, WI]
October 27, 2026
By Heather Poltrock
A former Madison priest who turned himself in following an undercover child grooming investigation is scheduled to reach a plea deal in his case.
Andrew Showers, 38, is charged with attempting to groom a child for sexual activity and two counts of bail jumping. His attorney appeared by phone Tuesday. A plea and sentencing hearing was set for Feb. 8.
According to a criminal complaint, Showers communicated online with an undercover Wausau police officer whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl. Investigators say Showers used the Kik and Telegram messaging apps to send sexually explicit messages and photos, repeatedly referencing the girl’s age and acknowledging the legal risks of talking with a minor. Online court records list the offense date as March 8.
Showers was previously arrested in 2025 in Waupaca County, where authorities say he agreed online to meet with an undercover police sergeant posing as a 14-year-old girl.
Following the latest charges, the Diocese of Madison issued a statement urging anyone with allegations of sexual misconduct involving church personnel to notify law enforcement as well as the diocese’s reporting line at 608-821-3162. Diocesan officials noted that the safety of children remains their highest priority.
Showers was previously barred from public ministry and was dismissed from the clerical state earlier this year by Pope Leo XIV.
He remains in the Marathon County Jail on a $15,000 cash bond.