GAYLORD (MI)
WPBN - NBC 7 [Traverse City MI]
December 23, 2021
The Diocese of Gaylord has released a statement in regards to the investigation into a northern Michigan priest.
On December 17, The Office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel confirmed to UpNorthLive News there was an investigation into Father Bryan Medlin from Indian River.
The Diocese of Gaylord’s website said Father Medlin was appointed pastor of the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in September 2021.
According to Michigan State Police, Medlin is accused of sending inappropriate text messages to high school students at a Leelanau County school.
In the statement, from December 22, about the investigation, the Diocese said Father Medlin “is not engaging in any ministerial activities at this time, and parish responsibilities are being overseen by Rev. James Gardiner.”
The Diocese encourages everyone to report any allegation of abuse, harassment, or inappropriate conduct by someone in the Church to the Michigan Department of Attorney General at 844-324-3374 or to local law enforcement.
Reports are also encouraged to be made to Church authorities by contacting the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Larry LaCross at 989-705-9010.