Detroit — A panel of three canon lawyers has concluded that Fr. Michael Cooney, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Mount Clemens, was negligent in not reporting the suspected abuse of a minor to law enforcement authorities in late 2011.

In early 2012, Fr. Cooney was suspended from the parish for more than two months while civil authorities investigated an allegation that a 19-year-old male usher had molested a 14-year-old female victim on church grounds. At the same time, Archbishop Allen Vigneron appointed a panel of three canon lawyers to conduct their own independent review of the incident.

Last week, the Archdiocese of Detroit issued an advisory informing parishioners that the canonical review had ended.

“It was the conclusion of the judges that although Father Cooney did advise a family member of the alleged victim to report the suspected abuse to civil authorities, he had the responsibility to — and should have — reported what he knew to authorities when he first learned of the suspected abuse,” the advisory read.

Fr. Cooney was issued a personal rebuke and, in addition to the apology to the parish and the family affected by the incident, is required to make a retreat. He also will take part in a program to review the requirements of civil and Church law in reporting suspected activity.

“Archbishop Allen Vigneron takes seriously his responsibilities regarding the protection of minors,” the advisory read. “He deeply regrets that this matter occurred and apologizes for it. Fr. Cooney has acknowledged his failure to take proper action in this instance and apologized.”

The advisory said that Fr. Cooney’s cooperation, his 24 years of priestly service, and his “otherwise exemplary program of child protection” at the parish also were considered in resolving the matter.