Michigan Priests Accused of Abuse

Clergy abuse within the various Michigan Dioceses has an unfortunate and long history, with many sexual abuse allegations coming to light. The Catholic Church has many instances of clergy members sexually assaulting members of the church, but a lot of people don’t come forward.

Many don’t report clergy sexual abuse until many years later, and when they’re ready, Injury Lawyer Team, along with local law enforcement, is ready to be your trusted ally. Whether the abuse occurred in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, or anywhere else, our Michigan clergy abuse attorneys will help fight for your rights and bring your abuser to justice.

List of Accused Priests in Michigan by Catholic Diocese

Archdiocese of Detroit, MI

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Detroit Archdiocese includes:

• Benedict Adams
• Roman Ament
• Harry S. Benjamin
• Gary D. Berthiaume
• Joseph Baker
• Gael N. Biondo
• Brian Bjorklund
• Edmund S. Borycz
• William B. Brennan
• Gary Bueche
• Thomas J. Cain
• Robert N. Burkholder
• Arthur Cooney
• Augustine Cops
• Anthony J. Conti
• Patrick J. D’Angelo
• Michael J. Daly
• Frank Luke Dalton
• Luis Javier de Alba Campos
• Harold Charles Depp
• Dennis D. Duggan
• Lawrence A. Edwards
• Jude T. Ellinghausen
• Lawrence T. Fares
• Joseph P. Femminineo
• Egbert Heinlein
• Leopold Gleissner
• Leonard R. Foisy
• Louis E. Grandpre
• Robert W. Haener
• Kent Hajduk
• Clarence (Rudolph) Grosser
• Albert Hillebrand
• Neil Kalina
• Thomas J. Johnston
• Arthur Michael Karey
• C. Richard Kelly, Jr.
• Kenneth Kaucheck
• John Baptist Kurcz
• Theresa Marie Kulwicki
• Dennis Laesch
• Richard Lauinger
• Walter J. Lezuchowski
• Michael D. Malawy
• Dennis L. Martell
• Bruce C. Maxwell
• Patrick L. McLaughlin
• Matthew Migan
• Alfred J. Miller
• James Moeglein
• Frank Mullen
• Timothy J. Murray
• Thomas O’Brien
• Lawrence Nawrocki
• Loren O’Dea
• Edward Theodore Olszewski
• Thaddeus Ozog
• Eduard Perrone
• Thomas R. Physician
• Ralph Quane
• Hurmiz Risko Ishak
• Austin Schlaefer
• Gary Schulte
• Wendelin Shafer
• Gerald Shirilla
• Jason E. Sigler
• Joseph Sito
• Joseph Smetana
• Robert Spader
• Gerald F. Smola
• Kenneth Stewart
• Francis Mary Sparacino
• Timothy J. Szott
• Jan (John)Tyminski
• Peter J. Van der Linden
• Lawrence M. Ventline
• Gerald John Vesnaugh
• Aloysius Volskis
• Ronald R. Williams
• Harold A. Walsh
• David F. West
• Robert Witkowski
• James C. Wolf
• James R. Wysocki
• Robert Wyzgoski
• Hilary Zach

Diocese of Gaylord

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord includes:

• Patrick J. Barrett
• Walter William Derylo
• James Kemp Gardiner
• Ronald Vincent Gronowski
• Lionel A. Harnish
• Wilbert (Norbert) Hegener
• James A. Holtz
• Francis Karl
• Benedict J. Marciulionis
• Bryan W. Medlin
• Leo Olschausken
• Raymond John Pilarski
• Terrence Andrew Raymond
• Laurus R. Rhode
• Robert Gordon Smith
• Richard R. Trapp
• John Tupper

Diocese of Grand Rapids

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids includes:

• Eugene F. Alvesteffer
• Daniel C. Aerts
• Charles Antekeier
• Louis Baudone
• Shamaun Beas
• Stanislaus Bur
• Vincent W. Bryce
• Lawrence N. Hartwig
• Donald J. Heydens
• Richard J. Host
• Joseph W. Kenshol
• David E. LeBlanc
• William A. Langlois
• Michael McKenna
• Dennis A. Wagner

Diocese of Kalamazoo

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo includes:

• Richard A. Fritz
• Jerome M. Heyman
• Thomas G. Lapine
• David C. Otto
• Gary William Pamment
• Brian L. Stanley
• Jacob Vellian
• Leroy E. White

Diocese of Lansing

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Lansing includes:

• Joseph Emile Aubin
• Alphonse Boardway
• Francis Gerald Boyer
• Kenneth F. Coughlin
• Timothy M. Crowley
• Vincent Anthony DeLorenzo
• Patrick W. Egan
• Alexander Thomas Fitzgerald
• Paul James Guoan
• Jeffrey Gregory
• Michael Robert Kelly
• James William Lee, Jr.
• Marian John Lesniak
• Shaun D. Lowery
• Richard Lobert
• John Edward Martin
• Joseph McHugh
• James M. Novak
• John Donald Slowey
• James S. Sullivan
• Edgar Szymanski
• Chester Vincent Tomaszewski
• Darius W. Wyszynski

Diocese of Marquette

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette includes:

• Casimir Adasiewicz
• Thomas Anderson
• Emil J. Beyer
• Joseph D. Carne
• Leonard Cornelius
• Richard T. Craig
• Thomas P. Dunleavy
• Gino S. Ferraro
• Wilbur M. Gibbs
• Basil Goerner
• Michael F. Hale
• Gerald F. Harrington
• Donald Hartman
• Aloysius J. Hasenberg
• Terrence M. Healy
• Raymond J. Hoefgen
• Gary Allen Jacobs
• John G. Hughes
• Roy Joseph
• Norbert Paul LaCosse
• Clement J. LePine
• Frank M. Lenz
• James L. Menapace
• Mark McQuesten
• Robert J. Monroe
• Aaron Nowicki
• Vincent L. Ouellette
• Wilfred Pelletier
• Anthony J. Polakowski
• Armour R. Roberts
• David H. Rocheleau
• Nelson Daniel Rupp
• Walter J. Sheedlo
• Ephraem Sitko
• B. Neil Smith
• Charles J. Strelick
• Guy S. Thoren
• Bernard Van der Schueren

Diocese of Saginaw

The list of priests accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw includes:

• Robert DeLand, Jr.
• Ronald J. Dombrowski
• Martin Ignatius Kalahar
• Richard L. Howard
• Dennis Kucharczyk
• Jack J. Leipert
• James Andrew Marron
• Francis McHugh
• James Aloysius Mulvey
• Neil Francis O’Connor
• John Steven Rabideau
• Thomas William Ryan
• Elmer Stoffel
• Richard T. Szafranski
• Joseph Szarek
• Leonard F. Wilkuski
• John Hammer

About Clergy Abuse in Michigan

Any sexual misconduct by clergy members, including Catholic priests, against anyone else in their congregation can be considered clergy abuse, including various clergy sexual abuse complaints.

People of any age, including vulnerable adults, can be subjected to clergy abuse, but unfortunately, it tends to be the children who suffer the most. Child sexual abuse leaves a lasting impression on the child, including emotional and psychological trauma.

Reporting the clergy sexual abuse and seeking legal counsel are the first steps in preventing the abuser from continuing the pattern, sometimes leading to the need for search warrants and local law enforcement. In some cases, the Michigan Attorney General’s office may help with criminal proceedings.

The legal process for clergy abuse cases varies slightly, but they all involve filing lawsuits, gathering evidence, and either going to trial or negotiating outside of the courtroom. Our clergy abuse attorneys know how to guide survivors in Michigan through the legal system and emotionally to ensure their rights are protected.

Legal Support for Survivors of Catholic Clergy Abuse in Michigan

Injury Lawyer Team is here to offer legal services to victims of clergy abuse in Michigan, working closely with health and human services, local law enforcement, and other organizations. We have an abundance of experience working on sexual abuse cases, including conducting victim interviews, and understand how to work with them with the utmost care and compassion every step of the way.

What Laws Govern Priest Abuse Lawsuits in Michigan?

Michigan has particular laws and regulations surrounding clergy abuse and other sexual abuse crimes. Specific laws determine how long you have to start criminal proceedings or file a lawsuit for sexual abuse allegations. Others detail mandated reporters, who are people who must report abuse according to the law. Laws are in place to protect victims and prevent future sexual abuse.

Statute of Limitations for Catholic Church Abuse

Since many survivors don’t report abuse shortly after it happens, it’s essential to know what the statute of limitations is in Michigan for these crimes.

For civil claims of child sexual abuse, the statute of limitations is until the survivor’s 28th birthday or three years after discovering the abuse. It’s important to know that the right to sue for civil suits isn’t dependent on whether they file criminal charges. For those filing criminal claims, there is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Mandated Reporting Laws

Mandated reporting laws are active in Michigan to help stop child abuse.

The Michigan Child Protection Law is a law written decades ago that requires those who work in human services, healthcare, education, the Michigan Diocese, and other church representatives to report any suspected physical or sexual abuse of minors to the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHHS) or local law enforcement. Mandated reporters include, but are not limited to:

• Law enforcement, including local law enforcement
• Members of the clergy, even if it requires reporting an accused priest or other diocese
• Teachers and educational employees, such as a music teacher or janitor
• Child care workers and providers
• Healthcare staff, including dentists, doctors, nurses, etc.

Age of Consent

The age of consent in Michigan is usually 16. However, the age of consent increases to 18 if the actor is in a position of power or authority over the younger person, such as a teacher, coach, foster parent, or clergy member.

A person cannot legally consent to sexual activity of any kind with a person of authority until they are 18, meaning any sexual activity between a clergy member and a person under 18 is more than likely a crime.

Filing a Lawsuit Against Those Accused of Sexual Abuse in Michigan

After a sexual assault survivor files a police report to report abuse, it’s time to start the process of holding clergy members responsible for their actions, as the vast majority of cases go unreported. The process of filing a clergy abuse lawsuit in Michigan involves cooperating with police investigations and gathering evidence.

• Initial Attorney Consultation: Meet with a lawyer who specializes in clergy abuse or sexual assault cases. The consultation is so they can hear your case and then put together a plan on how to proceed with legal action against the priests accused of sexual assault.
• Evidence Gathering: Gather evidence like various testimonies, witness statements, and documents to help prove your case. This may include files from the Catholic church about the priests accused of sexual abuse or a report from the Michigan Department of Children’s Services.
• Filing the Complaint: Officially file your civil case against the appropriate party or parties. This can include the priests accused of sexual abuse and other parties that may be liable. For example, the Catholic church or other dioceses may be liable if they knew the priests accused had a history of sexual misconduct.
• Discovery Process: Both parties will have the opportunity to review all information and evidence, and to exchange information, before settlement negotiations begin.
• Settlement Negotiations or Trial: Negotiation settlements will start. Ideally, both parties will reach an agreement during negotiation meetings, but if they can’t, the case will go to trial.

If you want a law firm that understands the nuances of clergy abuse, contact Injury Lawyer Team to get started on the road to justice.

Support Resources for Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors in Michigan

For those who have been sexually abused by Catholic clergy members, finding ways to move past the abuse and find closure isn’t an easy road. Michigan offers a variety of support resources to survivors. Some of these include specialized counseling services, crisis hotlines, and support groups for others who have been through similar situations. Some great resources are:

• Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV)
• HAVEN
• Michigan Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC)
• The Firecracker Foundation

Notable Cases and Outcomes Against an Accused Priest or Clergy in Michigan

There are hundreds of abuse allegations across the various Diocese of Michigan, and the attorney general released details of some of these cases. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has been conducting investigations and reviewing abuse complaints against the Catholic clergy, and it’s an ongoing investigation. Some of the notable cases to come out of those police investigations are:

Brian Stanley Found Guilty

This is one of the priests accused of sexual abuse within the Kalamazoo Diocese. This member of the Catholic clergy was proven guilty of holding a teenage boy against his will in a closet in a church in Otsego. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail and was required to be on the sex offender registry for life.

The Diocese of Lansing

The Diocese of Lansing has had several credibly accused priests and other Catholic clergy members, 454 alleged abusers to be exact, who are still presumed innocent until proven guilty. One of the most recent cases was when Brian McLain stated that Father Richard Lobert sexually assaulted him. The statute of limitations issues in this case could set a new precedent in Michigan.

Father Charles Antekeier

This abusive Catholic clergy member was working at St. James within the Grand Rapids Diocese when he was accused of criminal sexual abuse. His abuse of a minor occurred between 1984 and 1985, and there are multiple allegations from before then, too.

One victim was an altar boy. The victim’s family states that the survivor has lasting effects, like becoming an alcoholic by 14 years old, but didn’t tell his father about the abuse until he was 40 years old. He was permanently removed from ministry work in 2015.

Our attorneys have taken the time to review public and private settlement data related to Michigan Catholic clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the details and circumstances of your case, these are valued between $400,000 and $950,000. For cases that go before a jury or involve extreme misconduct, they can be valued at $1 million or more.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Survivors of clergy abuse in Michigan can count on Injury Lawyer Team to help bring their abuser to justice, especially for individuals wishing to pursue legal action. We have a proven track record of helping our clients, including those abused as a five-year-old boy, receive a fair settlement for these sensitive cases.

When you choose to work with us, you’ll get a dedicated legal team with experience and knowledge about clergy abuse who will also remain compassionate throughout the entire process.

We represent those who have suffered sexual misconduct involving religious brothers of the following religious institutions:

• Archdiocese of Detroit
• Diocese of Saginaw
• Diocese of Grand Rapids
• Diocese of Kalamazoo
• Diocese of Marquette
• Diocese of Gaylord
• Diocese of Lansing

We have the experience reviewing abuse complaints you need in a legal team. Our knowledgeable lawyers aren’t scared to take on a Catholic school, other dioceses, priests, or other church representatives, or anyone else accused of sexual abuse. Instead, we take what you say seriously and will work tirelessly to help you win.

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a clergy member, Injury Lawyer Team is prepared to fight for your rights through a sexual abuse lawsuit. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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.