Madison priest under investigation for sex crimes

A Madison priest will be restricted from public ministry while an investigation is ongoing into allegations of attempted sexual misconduct with a teen girl, the Diocese of Madison confirmed. City of Madison Police Department notified the Diocese on Monday about the arrest of Father Andrew Showers in Waupaca County, the Diocese explained in a statement. The Diocese of Madison said the public ministry restrictions are in accordance with Canon Law protocols. Diocese officials noted there has not been any previous allegations of misconduct involving Father Showers. Representatives with the Diocese of Madison are in contact with law enforcement in both Dane and Waupaca Counties. Clintonville Police Department reported Monday that the 37-year-old was arrested after he allegedly made plans to meet up with a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. Showers was booked into the Waupaca County Jail on potential charges of child enticement, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child.