2002, Fushek was named a monsignor. Allegations of sexual misconduct In May 2002, Fushek disclosed to his congregation that in 1995 the Diocese of Phoenix had settled a sexual harassment suit that had been filed against him by a former Life Teen staff member. In April 2004, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, who had been installed the previous December, accepted Fushek's resignation as Vicar General. In late December 2004, additional complaints against Fushek emerged and the Diocese of Phoenix began to conduct an investigation. Fushek was placed on paid administrative leave shortly thereafter and his priestly faculties were suspended. On January 27, 2005, a lawsuit was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court alleging that Fushek witnessed a sexual assault committed by a priest and did nothing, and in April of that year Fushek resigned effective June 30 as a Priest of St. Timothy's Catholic Church. The suit, settled by the Diocese of Phoenix for $100,000 in December, does not imply any admission of guilt, and was dismissed with prejudice. Fushek was arrested on November 21, 2005, and charged with ten criminal misdemeanor counts related to alleged sexual contact with teens and young adults. The charges included three counts of misdemeanor assault, five of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two of indecent exposure. The number of counts was reduced to seven when one of the victims died. A lengthy appellate process ensued when Fushek's lawyers argued that he was entitled to a jury trial on the remaining counts as opposed to one or more bench trials. The Supreme Court of Arizona upheld the argument. Laicization In February 2010, the Diocese of Phoenix announced that based on an investigation by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Pope Benedict XVI approved a "decree of dismissal" laicizing Fushek. According to church law, the congregation is responsible for addressing "sexual sins" perpetrated by priests and deacons against minors. Fushek chose not to participate or defend himself in the process. On April 15, 2010, Fushek pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor assault. Fushek was sentenced to 364 days of probation and fined $250. Four other charges were dropped. The plea agreement eliminated the need for other alleged victims to testify at a trial. Praise and Worship Center In late 2007, Fushek and former priest Mark Dippre established a non-denominational Christian assembly called the Praise and Worship Center. Services started at Thanksgiving 2007