Benton Harbor pastor found not guilty in criminal sexual conduct charges

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. - Benton Harbor Pastor and civil rights leader Carlton Lynch was found not guilty on Thursday, November 2.

Lynch was charged with criminal sexual conduct and bribery after a woman accused him of grabbing her rear end, then offering her $20 to make the problem "go away." 

According to the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office, Lynch was found not guilty on both counts.

Lynch, the Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, is happy the allegations were proven false. 

"The jurors of the court ruled favorably, earlier today," Lynch said in a statement to ABC57. "I’d like to give honor to Judge Charles Lasata for presiding over the hearing, and also to the members of the jury. I’m glad this process has ended, justice has prevailed, and I can get back to caring and advocating for families of the Benton Harbor community."