Two months ago, a criminal complaint said Peter Knebel admitted to touching a 10-year-old girl's breast inside his church office because he said it would excite him.
But the former pastor at Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha, who is charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child/sexual contact with a person younger than 13 years old, has pleaded not guilty to the felony.
Knebel, who remains out of jail on a $5,000 cash bond, made his plea during a court appearance on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Waukesha County Courthouse.
His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2. If convicted, Knebel, 72, faces up to 60 years in prison.
Since posting bail in late July, Knebel has relocated twice. He first moved from Waukesha to Milwaukee, and now lives in Oshkosh.
As terms of his bail, Knebel is to have no contact with the victim, Fox River Christian Church or any of the victim's family members. He is also to have no contact with any children.
According to the complaint, Knebel told police he brought a girl into his church office on July 19 and instructed her to sit on his lap while she was using the computer. With the girl on his lap, Knebel allegedly put his arm around her before moving his hand up on her body. He then said he touched her breast with his thumb.
The girl said Knebel forced her to sit on his lap by wrapping his right arm around her stomach and forcefully pulling her onto his lap. The victim said Knebel pulled so hard it felt like her stomach was going to burst. She added Knebel touched her for around 30 seconds. The girl, who then ran out of the office, told police she felt uncomfortable and scared.
Knebel said he touched the girl for sexual gratification, according to the complaint. Knebel allegedly said he struggles with lust and thought he would be able to control it.
The church's executive pastor, Mark Roberts, called police on July 25 after Knebel reportedly first denied and then admitted to the allegations. The church suspended Knebel once the allegations surfaced.
Knebel served as a congregational care pastor at the Waukesha church. In this role, he made hospital visits and provided care to grieving families. He also helped families plan funerals and directed the services.
Knebel also worked as a school bus driver for the Waukesha School District from August 2009 to June 2015.