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  Ex-Priest from Valpo Arrested in Chicago
* Investigators Unaware of Other Improper Behavior He May Have Had with Teens.

By Teresa Auch Schultz
Post-Tribune
September 2, 2009

http://www.post-trib.com/lifestyles/1747363,pcwigglesworth0902.article

A 68-year-old former priest accused of trying to have sex with a Chicago teen had no accusations of improper behavior during his years in Maryland that the Archdiocese of Baltimore is aware of, according to a church official.

Wayne E. Wigglesworth of Valparaiso was arrested Aug. 17 after police pulled his vehicle over near the intersection of 60th and Rockwell streets in Chicago when Wigglesworth's vehicle made an improper turn. They found the 15-year-old teen with him, but the teen didn't know Wigglesworth's name.

When police further questioned him, the teen said he met Wigglesworth through an Internet chat room, TeenChat.com., and they talked for several days. Wigglesworth eventually asked to meet the teen so they could perform oral sex on each other and then "hold and hug each other," according to the criminal complaint.

Sean Caine, communications director for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, said Wigglesworth might have been a part of the Josephite Brothers in Baltimore, which is not a part of the archdiocese of Baltimore. However, the Baltimore archdiocese, which did investigations into former priests after other accusations about child molesting came out several years ago, did not have any accusations about him.

No one with the Josephites could be reached for comment.

Wigglesworth is being held without bond although no indictment has been filed against him in federal court.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Trumbull-Harris said the case was still being investigated and that anyone with information about improper conduct regarding Wigglesworth should call Immigration and Customs Enforcement at 937-5636.

Contact Teresa Auch Schultz at 648-3120 or tauch@post-trib.com.

 
 

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