Profile Facts
- Name
- Bryan W. Medlin
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Gaylord
- Ordained
- 2013
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Bryan W. Medlin was investigated by the Michigan Attorney General over allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages to high schoolers, and he was later laicized. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers compiled this profile from public records.
Medlin was a young priest serving as a vocations director when the diocese placed him on leave. Young people who received those messages may have legal options, and our firm can explain them in a confidential setting.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Gaylord
Medlin served in the Diocese of Gaylord, one of Michigan’s seven dioceses along with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. The Attorney General’s investigation of clergy misconduct, begun in 2018, produced a Gaylord report in January 2024 that includes his case.
Inappropriate communications with minors can support civil claims even where prosecutors decline charges. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can advise on the civil remedies available to those affected.
The Allegations Against Father Bryan W. Medlin
Texts to High Schoolers
According to published records, in December 2021 the diocese acknowledged that Medlin was being investigated by the Michigan Attorney General over allegedly sending inappropriate texts to high schoolers. Medlin, ordained in 2013, was then pastor of the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River and assistant director of vocations for the diocese. He was placed on leave pending the civil and diocesan investigations.
No Charges, Then Laicization
In March 2022, the Attorney General’s office announced that it had found Medlin did send inappropriate messages to teens and young men, but would not file criminal charges because the behavior did not meet the threshold of criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. In June 2022, the diocese announced that Medlin would remain indefinitely on administrative leave with monitoring and was not allowed to present himself as a priest. He was laicized in March 2023.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
The Attorney General’s office decided not to file criminal charges against Father Medlin, finding the conduct did not meet the criminal threshold beyond a reasonable doubt. Because he is living, that prosecutorial decision could theoretically be revisited if new evidence emerged.
Civil claims do not require a criminal charge. Survivors who received inappropriate communications from a priest may pursue damages against him and against the diocese that placed him in a role with access to young people.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally allows civil claims for sexual misconduct within ten years or until the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan sets no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Because the reported conduct here is recent, timing is less likely to be the obstacle it is in older cases. Survivors should still act promptly so evidence is preserved and deadlines are protected.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
If Father Medlin sent you inappropriate messages or otherwise harmed you, call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 for a free, confidential consultation. Our office is at .
You have the right to be heard and to seek accountability. We will guide you through your options with care.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.