Pastor Suspended for Failing to Report Alleged Sex Assault on Church Property

By Josh Katzenstein
Detroit News
February 12, 2012

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120212/METRO03/202120333/Pastor-suspended-failing-report-alleged-sex-assault-church-property?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

The Archdiocese of Detroit has suspended the pastor of a Mount Clemens church after he failed to report allegations of sexual abuse against a minor that occurred on church property.

Father Michael Cooney, 63, of St. Peter Church has been temporarily suspended from active ministry. He has been with the church since 1990, Archdiocese spokesman Ned McGrath said.

Bishop Michael Byrnes told the parish the news during mass Saturday and three masses on Sunday, and he will now serve as administrator for the church.

"The archdiocese has learned enough at this point to question why Fr. Cooney, having been informed of this alleged conduct, failed in his response to protect the victim, in promptly reporting what he knew to law enforcement authorities, and to provide a safe environment for children and young people on parish property," read the statement Byrnes gave to the parishioners. "There is no allegation of abuse against Fr. Cooney. None. But, the archdiocese does hold him accountable."

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith charged Michael Lentini, 19, of Macomb Township with third-degree criminal sexual conduct on Friday, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. Lentini, who was an usher at the church, allegedly performed sexual acts on a 14-year-old girl in November and December.

Wickersham said the two had a relationship, but were not boyfriend and girlfriend.

The girl confided in a counselor at St. Mary School, who reported the incidents to authorities. She wasn't a student at the school.

Her mother later filed a complaint with the sheriff's office, Wickersham said.

"We've got a lot of investigating to do at this point," McGrath said.

Contact: jkatzenstein@detnews.com