Boston Archdiocese Monsignor Arrested on Sex Charges

WCVB
August 5, 2013

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/boston-north/report-boston-archdiocese-monsignor-arrested-on-sex-charges/-/11984708/21333946/-/50he5k/-/index.html

Monsignor Arthur M. Coyle, a priest with the Archdiocese of Boston, was arrested for sexual conduct for pay in Lowell Sunday afternoon.


Police say the 62-year-old Coyle was arrested just after 5 p.m. Sunday after he was allegedly found with a prostitute behind a cemetery in Lowell.

Coyle was granted $500 bail after pleading not guilty Monday in Lowell District Court.

Coyle is the Episcopal Vicar for the Merrimack Region, meaning he oversees several parishes in the area. He lives at the rectory of St. Rita's parish in Lowell.

In a statement, the archdiocese said Coyle has taken a voluntary administrative leave from his assignment. "While on administrative leave, Msgr. Coyle is prohibited from performing any public ministry. These restrictions will remain in place pending the outcome of the case," the diocese said.

Coyle, a native of Weymouth, was ordained a Priest in May 1977 at Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. In July 2008, he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for the Merrimack Region.

Coyle was named a Prelate of Honor in December 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI.

According to the Boston Archdiocese website, Coyle has served at St. Patrick Parish in Brockton, St. Bridget Parish in Framingham, St. Michael Parish in Avon, St. Peter Parish in Norwood, St. Mary of the Nativity Parish in Scituate and St. Patrick Parish in Lowell.

He previously served as chaplain at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton and director of campus ministry at Framingham State University.