Batavia Priest Arrested on Public Indecency Charge

A priest from Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia was arrested and charged Friday with public indecency in Winnebago County, accused of exposing himself to a gas station attendant.

An employee at the Road Ranger gas station, 4980 S. Main St., Rockford, told police a man exposed himself to customers and employees twice — once in the store and again while in his car — on March 27.

Witnesses recorded the man's license plate number, police said, and that led them to Aaron R. Brodeski, 44, a monsignor who was assigned to Holy Cross in Batavia. He's been a priest in the Rockford Diocese since 1998, according to church officials.

The Rockford Diocese released a statement saying church officials were told of the investigation in April, at which time Brodeski was placed on leave. The diocese was notified of Brodeski's arrest on Friday.

The priest posted bond and was released from jail.

"In full cooperation with authorities, (Monsignor) Brodeski agreed to be immediately placed on personal leave from his priestly assignment at Holy Cross Parish in Batavia, and was sent for evaluation and possible treatment for any difficulties affecting his conduct and ministry," the statement reads. "Following Monsignor Brodeski’s return from evaluation, the diocese learned that the investigation resulted in his arrest.”