Father Jacob Vellian Sexual Abuse Allegations 

Primary Entity Name: Varghese “Jacob” Vellian
Common Variations / Aliases: Fr. Vellian, Father Jacob Vellian, Varghese Vellian, Jacob Vellian (often used in media and public records)
Role/Title at Time of Incident: Catholic priest serving at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Current Status: Lives in India, and is currently subject to extradition requests for ongoing criminal proceedings. There has been speculation regarding whether he passed away awaiting extradition, but no confirmation whether he has, or has not, died.

This page outlines assignments, allegations, and institutional actions related to Varghese “Jacob” Vellian, who faces criminal prosecution of sexual abuse involving a minor.

The case of Fr. Jacob Vellian has reignited the conversation about abuse and the church’s accountability regarding sexual misconduct and sexual abuse involving clerical members. Claims against Vellian include multiple incidents of sexual crimes spanning decades, leading to legal action by the Attorney General’s office.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. Our Michigan clergy sexual abuse attorneys are committed to seeking compensation for those affected and holding perpetrators accountable.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of clergy sex abuse, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced clergy sex abuse lawyers for support and legal representation. Our dedicated team is here to help survivors pursue compensation and justice in cases involving the Catholic Church and its clergy.

Public Identification and Clergy Status

Entity That Listed Him

• Attorney General’s Office in a 2024 press release
• Bishop Accountability documents public reports and case summaries:

Reason for Listing

• Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct involving a child in Benton Harbor, MI, based on claims from a survivor

Key Status Facts

• Ordination Year: 1961
• Years in Active Service: Approximately 40-60 years (per public parish records)
• Locations Served: Kalamazoo Diocese, including St. John the Evangelist
• Restrictions: Removed from U.S. parish work; resides abroad
• Criminal Charges: Two counts of second-degree CSC and one count of another CSC classification
• Awaiting Extradition: Yes, according to the Michigan AG 
• Public Disclosure: Identified publicly in the Michigan AG’s investigation into statewide clergy crimes

Assignment History

Primary Diocese: Diocese of Kalamazoo

Assignments compiled from AG records & known parish histories:

• 1973-1974: St. John the Evangelist, Benton Harbor, MI
• 2009-2010: St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Mission, San Jose, California

Although the priest was not listed as living at a specific parish or working at a school, he was in active ministry across the United States during the years for which there is a gap. He was also in active ministry in India, even though the Kalamazoo Bishop warned the Archbishop in India of the accusations regarding children. Many sources report that he was in practice as a minister, but do not specify which parishes he served. He often had assignments that included a single seminar rather than a residency, as we see with other priests. 

Known Sexual Assault Allegations

• A victim reports sexual abuse, such as rape, involving a minor during Vellian’s service at St. John the Evangelist.
• The claims from a victim describe rape and abuse that occurred in 1977.
• The Michigan AG’s report identifies multiple claims of criminal sexual conduct, including sexual assault.
• These are alleged crimes, and Vellian has not been proven guilty in court.

Details:

• Location: St. John the Evangelist, Benton Harbor
• Period: 1977
• Number of Counts: Three, with one count involving forced sexual contact
• Church Assessment: Diocese cooperates with law enforcement; no ecclesial ruling
• Legal Classification: Criminal consequences initiated under Michigan law
• Clear Summary Sentence: Officials state that Vellian was accused of sexual abuse, with charges involving a minor during his Michigan parish work.

Contextual Entities:

• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel: responsible for releasing the findings
• Michigan Attorney General’s Office: overseeing prosecution
• Department of Justice (state-level): handling related documentation
• Reports include paper documents, electronic documents, and documents seized from diocesan sources
• The case falls within broader clergy investigations in Michigan
• Connected to the mounting crisis within the Catholic dioceses

Institutional Actions and Review

• Michigan authorities opened an investigation after receiving reports.
• The Attorney General’s Office filed charges based on the victim’s statements.
• The case involves three claims of CSC.
• Priest is allegedly waiting for extradition from India.
• Local Church and dioceses provided documents during the investigation, including paper documents and electronic documents.
• No known reassignment in the United States after accusations surfaced.
• He was prohibited from working as a priest in the Diocese of Kalamazoo following abuse accusations. He was also not permitted to work with children, and the Archbishop of India was notified of these claims upon his return to India. 

Timeline

• 1977: Survivor alleges sexual abuse occurred at St. John the Evangelist, Benton Harbor
  Source: Michigan AG
• 1970s–1980s: Served in Michigan parishes 
• 2018–2023: Case referenced in multi-year Michigan clergy investigation
• May 22, 2024: Attorney General Dana Nessel announces criminal charges
• 2024: Charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a minor
• 2024: Authorities confirm the priest is in India, waiting for authorities to transport him to the United States; other sources say he might have passed away in 2022. A death date is awaiting formal confirmation from the Attorney General’s office. 
• 2024: AG’s office states the case remains open pending further criminal action

Speak With an Attorney

Survivors of clergy abuse may still pursue justice, even decades later. Our legal team provides confidential support for individuals harmed in the church. Contact a clergy abuse team today to seek compensation and justice. 

Sources and Public Records, Including the Michigan Attorney General’s Report on Catholic Church Clergy Abuse

Details are based on public records, diocesan disclosures, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and survivor reports. No criminal conviction is implied unless courts formally declare guilt.

• Michigan AG Press Release (2024)
• Bishop Accountability

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.