Genesee County Prosecutor: Grand Blanc Priest Won't Be Charged in Student Touching Case

Daily Journal
October 7, 2014

http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/13fb098f11424b908880e52b7c119d49/MI--School-Priest-Investigation/

The Genesee County prosecutor says there's no basis to charge a priest who was accused of inappropriately touching two students at a Catholic school in Grand Blanc.

David Leyton said Tuesday that is investigators did "not find probable cause necessary to charge a crime."

The probe followed a complaint that the Rev. Ken Coughlin of inappropriately touching two students on their hands and legs on April 30 while serving at Holy Family Catholic School, Church of the Holy Family.

Bishop Earl Boyea says the prosecutor's decision is an important step toward restoring Coughlin's reputation. Boyea says the priest acknowledges "some inappropriate behaviors with adult women" and "is very intent on dealing with this."

The bishop says Coughlin remains on administrative leave as he continues to undergo treatment related to celibacy.