COA upholds second-degree criminal sexual conduct sentence of former priest
The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the 7-15-year sentence of Neil Kalina, 70, for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in 1984, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court did not abuse its discretion during Kalina’s resentencing. Kalina was a priest at St. Kieran Catholic Church in Shelby Township from 1982-1985 and is currently incarcerated at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson.
“I am relieved that justice will continue to be served for the victim of this heinous assault,” said Nessel. “My office remains committed to holding abusers accountable and ensuring survivors are supported.”
Kalina was convicted of two counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct by a Macomb County jury in 2022 and sentenced to 7-15 years’ incarceration. The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction in April 2024 but ordered resentencing due to a technical error during the initial sentencing. Kalina was resentenced to 7-15 years’ incarceration in January 2025. His sentence includes an order for lifetime registration on the Sex Offender Registry.
Kalina was one of 11 clergymen charged by the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s clergy abuse investigation team. For additional information on the attorney general’s clergy abuse investigation or to submit information, visit the
Department’s website at www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/catholic-church-clergy-abuse.
‘2026 Election Law and Procedure Webinar’ offered by MJI July 10
The Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) will present a “2026 Election Law and Procedure Webinar” Friday, July 10, from noon to 1 p.m.
The webinar’s faculty will review common legal issues arising from elections as well as litigation issues typically raised on Election Day; the guiding authorities for responding to those issues; and the manner in which the issues are likely to come before the court. In addition, faculty will discuss the relevant law to guide judges in handling potential new areas of litigation that may arise following the 2026 Election.
This program is eligible for continuing judicial education (CJE) credit: [1.0 Judicial Practice & Related Areas].
To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.”
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