High-ranking Massachusetts Roman Catholic priest facing prostitution charge
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A high-ranking priest with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston is facing a prostitution charge.
Authorities say the Rev. Arthur Coyle was granted $500 bail after pleading not guilty Monday in Lowell to a count of sexual conduct for a fee.
Coyle is the Episcopal Vicar for the Merrimack Region, meaning he oversees several parishes in the area. He lives at the rectory of St. Rita's parish in Lowell.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police say the 62-year-old Coyle was arrested just after 5 p.m. Sunday after he was allegedly found with a prostitute behind a Lowell cemetery.
A call to St. Rita's was referred to the archdiocese. An archdiocese spokesman did not immediately return a call or email for comment.
Coyle was ordained in 1977 and has been vicar since 2008.