Prosecutors Will Not File Charges against Grand Blanc Priest Accused of Inappropriately Touching Children

By Gary Ridley
MLive
October 7, 2014

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/10/prosecutors_will_not_file_char.html

A Grand Blanc priest will not face charges over accusations that he inappropriately touched two children.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced Tuesday, Oct. 7, that the Rev. Ken Coughlin would not be charged on claims he touched the hand and legs of two students earlier this year at Holy Family Catholic School in Grand Blanc.

"My office has reviewed the police investigation reports related to allegations of inappropriate behavior by a priest who is presently on leave from Holy Family Catholic Church," Leyton said in a statement announcing the decision not to file charges. "Based upon those reports, we do not find probable cause necessary to charge a crime related to the alleged actions of April 30, 2014."

Attorney Frank J. Manley, who represents Coughlin, called the announcement "fabulous news for Father Coughlin and his family."

"We want to thank the authorities for the thoroughness of the investigation," Manley said. "We believe the thoroughness and transparency of the investigation leaves no doubt Father Coughlin is innocent of the charge."

Coughlin was put on administrative leave by the Diocese of Lansing after the accusations were made.

Leyton said he believes the allegations were handled correctly by the diocese.

"I am satisfied with the internal review and process being conducted by officials in the Catholic Diocese of Lansing related to this incident and believe the matter is being handled appropriately," Leyton said.

Manley said Coughlin will continue to cooperate with the diocese going forward.

Diocese officials were not immediately available for comment.

Contact: gridley@mlive.com