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Holy Family Catholic church

(File)

GRAND BLANC, MI – Holy Family Catholic School priest Ken Coughlin has been placed on administrative leave as officials investigate claims of inappropriate touching of the hands and legs of two students, according to a statement released by the Diocese of Lansing.

Coughlin has denied that anything inappropriate happened, according to the diocese statement.

Grand Blanc Police Lt. Chris Rhind said the claims are being investigated by police but declined further comment.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said he has not received any reports on the claims from the Grand Blanc Police Department.

Child Protective Services has also been notified, as required by state law, according to the diocese statement.

The school, the parish and the diocese are fully cooperating with the investigation and Coughlin will remain away from the parish on administrative leave until the investigation is finished, according to the diocese statement.

According to his bio on Holy Family's website, Coughlin, 53, had been with the church since 2007. He has a degree in packaging from Michigan State University and completed pre-theology at a seminary in Minnesota.

He received a Master's in theology at St. John Seminary in Plymouth in 1990, his bio says.