Benton Harbor pastor going to trial on criminal sexual conduct charges

By: Brian Conybeare X

Posted: Jan 13, 2023 5:21 PM EST

NOW: Benton Harbor pastor going to trial on criminal sexual conduct charges

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Pastor charged with misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. - A well-known Benton Harbor pastor and civil rights leader is now heading to trial on criminal sexual conduct charges.

Pastor Carlton Lynch runs the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and is accused of groping a woman from behind.

The Berrien County Prosecutor's Office confirmed Lynch is also now facing a charge of attempting to bribe a witness, along with the original misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct charge.

Pastor Carlton Lynch denied the incident happened to ABC57 but he is now due back in court on March 31st.

A trial date is set for May 16th.

Lynch responded today, asking for all charges to be dropped. He sent ABC57 News the following statement:

"I am disappointed that the prosecutor's office has failed to inform the public that they have offered two plea deals and which both have been declined so to try and trump up charges at this time seems to be a miscarriage of justice. I am not interested in anything the state has to offer. I am innocent."