Former Lincoln priest cited for giving alcohol to teen enters not guilty plea

A former Lincoln priest who was cited by police for giving alcohol to a minor has entered a not guilty plea to the courts. 

Charles Townsend, 57, was cited on January 9 for giving alcohol to a 19-year-old. 

Townsend was formerly a priest at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in south Lincoln. 

In a written statement, Townsend waived his right to a formal arraignment and entered a not guilty plea. 

He is scheduled to be back in court in March.