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Priest Abuse In Michigan

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The Roman Catholic dioceses of Michigan have faced numerous lawsuits and settlements related to priest sexual abuse. For decades, abusive priests used their positions of power to sexually abuse child victims. Survivors are now demanding action and compensation from Catholic dioceses that protected these accused priests.

Were You Abused by a Priest in Michigan?

You May Have Rights to Legal Compensation

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Home › Catholic Church Sex Abuse › Priest Abuse In Michigan

The Roman Catholic dioceses of Michigan have faced numerous lawsuits and settlements related to priest sexual abuse. For decades, abusive priests used their positions of power to sexually abuse child victims. Survivors are now demanding action and compensation from Catholic dioceses that protected these accused priests.

Were You Abused by a Priest in Michigan?

You May Have Rights to Legal Compensation

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Michigan Clergy Abuse Lawsuits

Michigan survivors have filed many clergy abuse lawsuits against accused priests, clergy members and dioceses that covered up abuse allegations. Through these lawsuits, some survivors are able to win compensation and get the justice they deserve. 

Although many of these lawsuits cite decades-old abuse, some cases pertain to more recent abuse allegations.

2018 | Michigan Teen Sues Abusive Priest

In March 2018, a teen accused a Michigan priest of grooming and groping him. The lawsuit also lists the Michigan Diocese of Saginaw and Bishop Joseph Cistone as defendants for their role in the abuse. 

The priest in question, Robert DeLand, was also charged with criminal sexual misconduct regarding separate abuse allegations. DeLand is currently in prison.

2021 | Man Files Federal Lawsuit Against Archdiocese Of Detroit

In March 2021, an 18-year-old filed a federal lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Detroit. The man claims he was sexually abused by a Catholic priest when he was eight years old. 

According to the plaintiff, a priest named Aloysius Volskis — also known as “Father Al” — sexually abused him during a counseling session at the plaintiff’s school. The alleged abuse took place in 2010. Volskis has been named in at least two other recent abuse allegations.

The lawsuit named the archdiocese, Bishop Kelley Catholic School, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Parish and Archbishop Allen Vigneron as additional defendants. According to the lawsuit, these parties allowed the abuse to happen by giving the priest access to young children. Additionally, these defendants attempted to protect the abusive priest from legal consequences.

Clergy Abuse Settlements In Michigan

The seven Michigan dioceses have paid numerous settlements to survivors of clergy abuse. For example, the Archdiocese of Detroit has paid roughly $4.5 million in settlements and other costs related to abuse allegations.

Lansing Diocese Pays Thousands To Abuse Survivors

Between 1988 and 2002, the Diocese of Lansing paid approximately $699,000 in settlements. In 2010, the Lansing Diocese paid an additional $225,000 to the alleged victim of Monsignor John Slowey.

Grand Rapids Diocese Pays $1 Million In Settlements

In 2002, Grand Rapids Diocese Bishop Robert Rose publicly disclosed settlement figures. Over the course of 40 years, the diocese paid more than $1 million to settle abuse claims. The diocese paid several settlements concerning abuse by former priest Donald Heydens.

Child Sex Abuse Statutes Of Limitations In Michigan

In order to seek legal action, a child sex abuse survivor must follow the applicable statute of limitations. A statute of limitations (SOL) is a legal deadline. SOLs vary based on the jurisdiction, the crime and the intended legal action.

The state of Michigan has separate statutes for pressing criminal charges versus filing a civil claim. 

Civil Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In Michigan

In Michigan, child sexual abuse survivors must file a civil claim before they reach 28 years of age. 

Michigan also has a three-year discovery rule. This rule gives survivors three years to file a civil claim against an abuser, regardless of their age. The three-year window begins on the date the individual discovers or reasonably should have discovered their injuries and “the causal relationship between the injury and the criminal sexual conduct.”

You May Have Legal Rights

Speak With Our Lawyers About Michigan’s Statutes Today

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Criminal Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In Michigan

In Michigan, there is no criminal SOL for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. However, lesser criminal offenses abide by separate statutes. Learn more about the criminal statutes for child sexual abuse claims in Michigan here.

List Of Priests Accused Of Sexual Abuse In Michigan

The list below includes Michigan priests accused of child sexual abuse. It also includes other clergy members facing similar allegations. 

This list does not include diocesan staff or volunteers accused of abuse. However, you may still be able to seek legal action against these individuals and the responsible diocese. 

If you or a loved one experienced Catholic priest abuse in Michigan, you may have legal options. Our experienced lawyers can help you determine the best legal path forward.

Survivors May Be Eligible For Compensation

Learn About Filing a Lawsuit in Michigan

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There Are 77 Accused Clergy Members From The Archdiocese Of Detroit, MI:

There Are 3 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Kalamazoo, MI:

There are several reasons you may not be able to find the name of your abuser on our list of accused priests in Michigan:

  • The abusive clergy member is listed under another state in our database.
  • Allegations against the abusive clergy member have not been investigated.

Visit our national database of accused clergy members to see if the abuser you are looking for is listed under another state or diocese.

You may still be able to sue an abuser, even if they are not listed in our database. Speak with our legal team today to determine if you have a valid legal claim.

History Of Clergy Abuse In Michigan

Following numerous clergy abuse allegations, the Michigan attorney general’s office launched a two-year investigation into the state dioceses. During the investigation, law enforcement executed several search warrants, seizing diocesan records.

“We are committed to ensuring that every case of sexual abuse and assault is thoroughly reviewed and that whenever we are able to pursue justice for a victim, we do so aggressively and relentlessly.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana NesselMLive

The investigation found evidence of abuse in each of the seven Michigan dioceses. 

The investigation identified more than 450 abusive priests and more than 800 victims. The majority of the accused priests and clergy abuse victims were discovered in the Grand Rapids Diocese. Investigators brought criminal charges against 11 of these priests.

Investigators are still reviewing digital and physical documentation collected from the Michigan dioceses. To submit a tip to the ongoing investigation, call the state’s clergy abuse hotline at 1-844-324-3374. Tips can also be submitted online here.

Michigan Priest Abuse Victim Resources

Survivors of sexual violence do not have to process their trauma alone. There are statewide and local sexual assault resources available for Michigan residents. 

Get help by calling the state’s sexual assault hotline at 855-VOICES4 (864-2374).

Michigan Priest Abuse FAQs

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Priest Sexual Abuse In Michigan?

Survivors of priest sexual abuse must file a civil lawsuit before they turn 28 years of age or within a three-year discovery window. 

Learn more about Michigan’s statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse claims here >

How Do I Report Sexual Abuse By A Priest In Michigan?

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If you or a suspected victim is in danger, call 911 immediately.

In Michigan, you can report suspected child abuse — including child sexual abuse — to Centralized Intake (CI) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). There are two ways to make a report:

Report Abuse Over The Phone

Call 855-444-3911 to make a report to Centralized Intake.  

If you report over the phone, you will be required to submit a written report within 72 hours from the initial call.

Report Abuse Online

You can also report suspected abuse using the department’s online form. 

If you report abuse using the online form, you do not have to submit a separate written report.

Report Sexual Abuse & Assault

Visit Our Resource Page to Learn More

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Once you’ve reported suspected clergy abuse to Michigan authorities, consider reporting the sexual abuse to the relevant diocese:

  • Report Abuse To The Gaylord Diocese

    Larry LaCross | Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 989-705-9010

  • Report Abuse To The Grand Rapids Diocese

    Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 616-840-2079
    Email: [email protected]

  • Report Abuse To The Kalamazoo Diocese

    Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Sexual Misconduct Question and Reporting Line
    Phone: 877-802-0115

  • Report Abuse To The Lansing Diocese

    Lisa Veenstra, LMSW | Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 888-308-6252
    Email: [email protected]

  • Report Abuse To The Marquette Diocese

    Stephen Lynott | Victim’s Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 844-495-4330

    Diane Tryan | Victim’s Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 844-694-4362

  • Report Abuse To The Saginaw Diocese

    Cynthia Bublitz | Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 989-797-6607

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Ron Meneo, Managing Partner at Meneo Law Group.

Meneo Group managing partner: Ron Meneo

Ron Meneo is the managing partner of The Meneo Law Group. With more than 40 years of experience, he represents clients across the country on a variety of complex legal matters, including personal injury due to institutional sexual abuse, unsafe pharmaceutical drugs and other practice areas. He is a recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s prestigious AV® Preeminent Rating. He has also served as an editor and contributor for several legal journals.

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