MARATHON COUNTY (NBC 26) — A former Madison priest is yet again facing new charges, court records show.
Andrew Showers was charged in Marathon County last Thursday with one count of attempting to groom a child for sexual activity and two counts of bail jumping.
According to the Madison Diocese, Showers' new charges stem from an online undercover investigation conducted by a police officer posing as a 15-year-old girl.
Showers appeared in court Monday for the new charges, where his cash bond was set at $15,000.
In a statement, the Diocese said they are "appalled and deeply distressed by these additional charges and continue to pray for anyone affected by this profoundly troubling situation."
Showers was first charged in late summer 2025 after prosecutors said he attempted to arrange a meeting at a Clintonville hotel with someone he believed was a 14‑year‑old girl. Authorities say he was actually communicating with a Clintonville police sergeant posing as a child.
Earlier this year, additional charges were filed after materials were found during searches. According to a criminal complaint, those materials included child pornography.
The Madison Diocese announced Showers was removed from the priesthood in June.
Showers is due back in court for the newest charges on Oct. 8. Meanwhile, his next court hearing in Waupaca County is set for Sept. 16.
