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  Priest Accused of Sexually Assaulting a Minor

Associated Press
April 1, 2002

A priest was placed on administrative leave after he was accused of sexually assaulting a child in the early 1980s.

The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay has asked authorities to investigate the allegation against the Rev. Stanley Browne, diocesan spokesman Tony Kuick said.

Browne, currently pastor of Lakewood's St. Mary of the Lake Parish in Oconto County, worked at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Green Bay during the early 1980s, Kuick said.

The diocese is trying to contact the alleged victim through that person's attorney. The attorney notified the diocese of the accusation last week, and the diocese placed Browne on leave Wednesday.

Browne has worked in six parishes in the diocese since he was ordained in 1981, Kuick said. Diocesan representatives will visit those parishes later this week to talk to members about the allegation.

Kuick said the diocese has asked the Brown County district attorney's office to investigate the allegation. District Attorney John Zakowski said a local law enforcement agency would first investigate such an allegation.

Kuick refused to provide more information about the allegation.

The Diocese of Green Bay serves 393,000 Catholics in 16 northeastern Wisconsin counties.

Browne did not immediately return a telephone call left Monday by The Associated Press.

 
 

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