Marquette priest on administrative leave after sexual misconduct complaint

By Tyler Scott
Michigan Radio
April 03, 2018

http://michiganradio.org/post/marquette-priest-administrative-leave-after-sexual-misconduct-complaint

A Catholic priest in the Marquette diocese is on administrative leave after a recent allegation of sexual misconduct.

The diocese says Father Frank M. Lenz has been removed from public ministry as a precautionary measure while the allegation is investigated. The diocese says the complaint was reported to the Marquette County Prosecutor’s office, which did not immediately return a request for comment.

A diocese press release calls the allegation a "credible complaint" alleging sexual misconduct by Lenz with a minor dating back to the 1970s. Lenz denies the allegation.

Lenz has been removed from public ministry and is prohibited from "presenting himself as a priest" according to the same press release. 

A spokesperson for the diocese said he did not have any further details about the complaint.

The diocese says it has “extended an offer of pastoral care to the person bringing the allegation.”

Diocese of Marquette Bishop John Doerfler apologized in a statement to “all victims of clergy abuse.”

The rotary club of Marquette has Lenz listed as its president on its website.