MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) — A Madison priest, Andrew J. Showers, who was arrested last month on charges related to child sex crimes, is now facing additional allegations from a woman in Chicago who says he assaulted her earlier this year.
Showers was arrested in August following a Clintonville Police Department undercover operation, where officers posed as a teenage girl online. Showers allegedly arranged to meet the minor for sex, leading to his arrest.
Now, Patricia Moriarty, a Chicago woman, has come forward with her own disturbing account involving Showers. Moriarty alleges that in January 2024, while she was out with friends in Chicago, Showers introduced himself as a Catholic priest. She claims he then groped her under her clothes and made sexually inappropriate remarks.
“I share my story not just for myself, but for everyone who is still carrying their pain in silence like I once did,” Moriarty said.
Moriarty says the emotional toll has been overwhelming but hopes her decision to speak out will inspire others to do the same and prevent future abuse.
According to the advocacy group Nate’s Mission, Moriarty’s father attempted to report the incident to the Diocese of Madison, but says Bishop Donald Hying never returned his call. Instead, he was sent forms and denied direct communication, according to Sarah Pearson, Deputy Director of Nate’s Mission.
“Father Showers would not be able to operate like this if he didn’t have the backing of Bishop Hying,” Pearson said.
The family also filed a report with the Chicago Police Department, but no action was taken at that time.
Nate’s Mission also revealed that in 2021, Showers allegedly made sexually inappropriate comments to a child during confession, raising further concerns about how long his behavior may have gone unchecked.
The advocacy group is now calling for a formal investigation into the Diocese of Madison, citing a pattern of inaction and institutional complacency.
“By speaking out, I also hope to protect others from experiencing this kind of harm and pain in the future,” Moriarty added.
Showers remains under investigation, and advocates continue to demand greater transparency and accountability from the Catholic Church.
