Pewaukee priest on leave following allegation of misconduct with a minor

PEWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A Pewaukee priest is on leave after an allegation of inappropriate contact with a minor was brought to the church’s attention.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee says the Rev. Chuck Hanel was put on leave following the allegation that surfaced on April 29.

A letter was sent to parishioners at the Queen of Apostles Church on May 4 explaining why Hanel was on leave. The letter states that Hanel denies the allegation.

Authorities are not saying when the alleged incident occurred, but the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office along with Child Protective Services are investigating.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee says Hanel was ordained in 1983. An online biography says he has been at the Queen of Apostles Church since 2014.

“No other allegation has been received about this particular priest,” said Jerry Topczewski, Archdiocese of Milwaukee chief of staff. “But either way a professional investigation is what has to occur and that’s what is happening now.”

Hanel was returning from sabbatical when the allegation surfaced.