“Hung Jury” in Case of U.P. Priest Accused of Sexual Misconduct

A sexual misconduct allegation against an Upper Peninsula Catholic priest has ended with the ecclesiastical equivalent of a hung jury.

Father Frank M. Lenz was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. The alleged incident took place in the early 1970s. The charge was levied in 2018.

Lenz had retired by that time. He was put on administrative leave by the Marquette Diocese, and the allegation was reported to the Marquette County Prosecutor.

Local authorities turned the case over to the church’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The CDF authorized the bishop of Marquette to establish a special tribunal to adjudicate. Canon lawyers from outside the diocese heard the case, and were unable to reach a decision.

Lenz continues to deny the allegation.

With the lack of a decision, Bishop John Doerfler has restored Lenz to ministry. Lenz will not be allowed to serve at churches or schools.