Religious leaders are entrusted with the important task of guiding and supporting their followers. Unfortunately, there have been instances where some religious authorities have misused their power and authority to commit sexual abuse, especially against minors. One such case involves Father Casimir Adasiewicz, a former priest in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, Michigan, who has faced accusations of sexual abuse.
Our legal team is passionate about obtaining justice for survivors of sexual abuse. We have recovered over $1.4 billion so far for our clients and want to help you do the same. Contact our clergy sexual abuse lawyers to discuss the next steps and your rights under the law.
Clergy Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Marquette
Religious institutions often foster a sense of trust between congregants and their clergy. When this trust is violated through sexual abuse, particularly of minors, the Church and the abusers must be held accountable for their actions. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer is committed to supporting survivors as they seek justice and regain control of their lives through legal means.
In 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General initiated an investigation into clergy abuse within the State of Michigan, focusing on the seven Dioceses of the Michigan Catholic Church. Four years later, a comprehensive report on the Diocese of Marquette was released, identifying 44 priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse. Among these, Father Casimir Adasiewicz has been listed.
Of the priests implicated in the Marquette Diocese report, only three have been convicted of criminal sexual conduct, and 32 are known or believed to be deceased. Two priests remain active in ministry within the Diocese. White Law PLLC is dedicated to assisting survivors in pursuing justice by sharing their experiences, as their stories may encourage more survivors to come forward.
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Father Casimir Adasiewicz Sexual Abuse Allegations
Reverend Father Casimir Adasiewicz was born in Poland in 1902 and emigrated to Michigan. He graduated from St. Paul Seminary Class of 1931 and was ordained the same year by the Michigan Diocese. He served in the Marquette Diocese at Sacred Heart Church in L’anse, Michigan, and as the Superintendent at St. Joseph Orphanage, according to the Pinkowski Files, a Polish-American history group.
In 2008, an unidentified woman reported that in 1965, at the age of seven, she was “molested and raped” by the priest at the rectory while he was serving at Sacred Heart Church. According to this report, she said that Father Casimir Adasiewicz threatened that her brother would die if she came forward with the truth of the sexual abuse.
She also believed that he had victimized multiple minors in the same manner. According to Bishop Accountability, Father Casimir Adasiewicz died in 1981. It appears that no charges were brought against him during his lifetime.
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Legal Options in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
Sex abuse cases can be prosecuted as criminal cases and/or civil lawsuits. These cases are handled entirely separately, so a survivor should take every opportunity to pursue their legal rights through these multiple options. With the sex abuse case against Father Casimir Adasiewicz, criminal charges are no longer an option since he is deceased.
After someone has died, criminal charges typically cannot be brought against them. However, that does not restrict civil lawsuits from being filed against their estate. Another option could be to pursue litigation against the religious institution where the abuser served if specific knowledge was present regarding the abuse.
To do this, a survivor must be able to prove that the institution was aware of the abuse, allowed it to continue, failed to take steps to prevent it, concealed evidence, or took other actions that indicated their awareness. While it is difficult to pursue a case like this, an experienced clergy sex abuse lawyer can help you determine what the next steps could be in your pursuit of justice. Contact us today for a free case consultation and to ask any questions.
Get Legal Help to Pursue Your Clergy Sex Abuse Case
Accusations like those brought against Father Casimir Adasiewicz are sadly not an uncommon occurrence. Finding justice and solving the ongoing issue of sexual abuse within religious institutions like the Catholic Church starts with survivors speaking up about their experiences. We believe that you deserve to be heard and will provide the support you need to navigate the legal process.
A significant obstacle in clergy sex abuse cases is the passage of time, as many victims of sexual abuse by clergy members do not report the abuse until years or even decades later. This delay is often attributed to feelings of shame, fear, or trauma that prevent victims from speaking out sooner. Unfortunately, this can hinder legal proceedings, as statutes of limitations may bar victims from filing charges after a certain period.
Statute of Limitations in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
The statute of limitations on clergy abuse is a time limit that is allowed to pass after sexual abuse takes place. In Michigan, this can vary depending on the specifics of the case, whether the survivor was a minor at the time of the abuse, and the severity of what occurred. There is no time limit for first-degree criminal charges against abusers.
For civil cases, Michigan Legislature §600.5805 establishes the statute of limitations at ten years or until the victim of the child sexual abuse reaches the age of 28. Additional exemptions to this rule can apply, so be sure to contact our sexual abuse attorneys to explore your options. Review our case results to see some of the recent cases we have successfully represented.
The Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers at White Law PLLC Can Help You Pursue Justice
At White Law PLLC, we are committed to standing with survivors of sexual abuse. Our experienced attorneys understand the complex legal and emotional challenges you may be facing. We offer compassionate support and dedicated legal representation to help you pursue justice through criminal and/or civil legal action.
Do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment and discuss your options for moving forward. Together, we can work towards justice and healing.
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