MADISON (WKOW) — Madison Catholic officials were contacted by police about Father William Nolan in 2015, more than two years before Nolan was criminally charged with six, felony child sex crimes.

The 64-year-old Nolan is free on his signature in the Jefferson County case involving the felony accusations he sexually assaulted a Fort Atkinson altar boy in 2006.

In a statement after Nolan’s jail release, Bishop Robert Morlino disavowed any knowledge of suspicions connected to Nolan’s actions.

"The diocese has received no allegations of misconduct connected to any of his assignments," Morlino’s statement maintained.

But Janesville Police officials confirm they investigated Nolan in 2015 for his contacts with another person.

A Florida man who is a friend of that potential victim and helped him file a complaint, says a Janesville Police officer contacted Catholic officials. 27 News is not identifying the man to protect the identity of the potential victim.

"For the bishop to get up a few days ago and say there’s never been any other cases against William (Nolan)…I’ll tell you right now, that is an absolute lie," the friend tells 27 News.

"Janesville PD contacted us in 2015 asking simply to be put in touch with Fr. Bill Nolan," Diocese spokesperson Brent King revealed Monday in response to inquiries from 27 News.

"Nothing more was made known to us," King wrote.

Janesville Police officials have yet to comment on aspects of the 2015 investigation, or release police reports to 27 News. Nolan was not arrested or criminally charged.

The potential victim’s friend says the investigation involved Nolan’s alleged sexual assault. "He, himself, was molested by William Nolan," the friend says.

The friend says the victim was physically and mentally challenged as a result of a traffic collision.

"We felt we had to go to Janesville Police Department and go ahead and tell them so we could document it," the friend says, adding they knew it could be difficult for police to confirm crimes took place.

The friend says he was contacted by a Rock County law enforcement official after Nolan was arrested in the Jefferson County case.

Nolan refused to answer a question from a 27 News reporter about whether the victim in the Jefferson County case was telling the truth.

But in addressing the congregation of Madison’s Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Sunday, where Nolan had been in residence, the pastor told parishioners Nolan had told him the accusations in Jefferson County were false.