Investigators with the Fort Dodge Police Department had a conversation with the Rev. Jerome Coyle within the past two weeks, Police Capt. Ryan Gruenberg confirmed on Wednesday.

However, Coyle, 85, is not currently under investigation by Fort Dodge police for any alleged crimes committed recently or locally, Gruenberg reported.

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When asked if Coyle presented a direct threat to the community, Gruenberg said, “We can’t say there is at this point, but should something arise that piques anyone’s suspicions we encourage them to come forward immediately so we can look into it.”

Ryan Baldridge, first assistant Webster County attorney, said the attorney’s office was aware of Coyle’s presence at the same time as the Police Department and spoke with investigators at that time.

Coyle is not a registered sex offender in Iowa or any other state.

In a statement released Wednesday night, Bishop R. Walker Nickless, of the Diocese of Sioux City, said Coyle had been moved to the Marian Home, 2400 Sixth Ave. N. in Fort Dodge, under strict supervision.

The Marian Home is located across the street from St. Edmond Catholic School, 501 N. 22nd St.

Nickless didn’t say how long Coyle would stay at the Marian Home, but that the move was not permanent.

“He will not remain there,” Nickless said.

Prior to coming back to Iowa, Coyle was living in New Mexico.

Coyle was moved to the Marian Home after suffering injuries in a car crash in New Mexico.

“Coyle did befriend a couple with children in New Mexico,” Nickless said. “He was involved in a serious car accident, and the couple suggested that he move in with them. The diocese was led to believe that Coyle had disclosed his past to them. However, the diocese felt that it was a bad idea and attempted to dissuade Coyle and the couple from going forward. It was during these discussions that the diocese disclosed to the family the extent of Coyle’s past transgressions. Because of the concern about the living situation at this couple’s home, and because of Coyle’s advanced age and frail condition, the diocese moved him back to Iowa and placed him at the Marian Home.”

Nickless added, “No one presently at the diocese has firsthand knowledge about Jerry Coyle and that includes me. For the past few months, we have been attempting to put the pieces together about what happened during the 1980s with the files and records that we do have on Jerry Coyle.”

According to Nickless, in 1986 Coyle was no longer allowed to to function as a priest in any way other than offering Mass alone in his own home.

“He could not present himself as a priest, wear any clerical clothing, or function as a priest in any public capacity,” Nickless said. “In addition, he was sent to a facility in New Mexico for evaluation and treatment. He was told he would never return to a parish. He elected to stay in Albuquerque where he has remained until recently, living and working as a civilian. If during that time he presented himself as “Father Coyle,” or told anyone he was a priest, it was a violation of the restrictions placed upon him. He was to live as a civilian.”

Nickless said in the 32 years that followed, there were no complaints issued against Coyle.

“Psychologists in Albuquerque advised the diocese that Coyle was highly motivated to change,” Nickless said. “We know now that many disagree with this point, and so do I.”

Police were not contacted in 1986 when the diocese learned of Coyle’s abuse because that wasn’t the policy at the time, according to Nickless.

“But policies have changed since 1986,” Nickless said. “Now the policy is to contact civil authorities, which we will follow since we have now the names of the victims of Jerry Coyle.”

Nickless is encouraging anyone who was a victim of Coyle to come forward.

Victims of Coyle or any priest or person associated with the Diocese of Sioux City are asked to contact Angie Mack, victim assistance coordinator, at 866-435-4397 or 712-279-5610.

Mack is not employed by the Diocese of Sioux City. She helps both victims who are minors and adults who were victimized in their childhood by a member of the clergy.