The Michigan priest scandal is the State’s own terrible chapter in the still-unfolding horror story of child sexual abuse at the hands of priests or leaders in the Catholic Church. Though there had been some accounts, not widely publicized, of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church prior to 2002, the spotlight exposing these heinous crimes intensified that year, focusing on priests in the Boston area. One harrowing story led to another, with victims emerging from across the nation and ultimately revealing the disgrace as one of global proportions.
Though nothing can undo the harm perpetrated against victims in Michigan and elsewhere, many have had the opportunity to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable. White Law PLLC has played a significant role in this process, and a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer is here to help you demand justice from your abuser.
The Michigan Attorney General Investigation
The Department of the Michigan Attorney General (AG) initiated its own investigation into Catholic Church Clergy Abuse in August 2018. The investigation included all seven Catholic dioceses in the state. On the Department’s website, the AG promised the investigation would be “independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt” and that the department would find out who knew what and when.”
As reported in the Detroit Free Press, the AG’s office would investigate allegations of “abuse and assault of children and others” by Catholic clergy dating back to 1950. Allegations against priests in Michigan or who had worked in Michigan would be included. Additionally, the AG committed to discovering and holding accountable those involved in covering up the abuse.
An AG Department press release titled “AG Nessell Releases Report of Alleged Abuse at Diocese of Kalamazoo” summarized the scope of the investigation. Those deployed to carry it out executed search warrants on all seven dioceses seized “220 boxes of paper documents and more than 3.5 million digital documents,” and comprised
- 42 Michigan State Police Troopers
- 5 officers representing different law enforcement agencies
- 15 special agents from the Department of Attorney General
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Michigan Priest Scandal Discoveries
The intense effort produced results, showing the Michigan priest scandal stained every diocese. By October 2020, the AG’s update stated, “11 Men See Charges as AG’s Clergy Abuse Investigation Hits 2-year Mark” and further details revealed 142 boxes of documents had been reviewed, 454 priests had been accused, and 811 victims identified. The AG’s office has released three of what will be seven reports, one for each diocese, detailing the investigations and discoveries made.
Of the eleven priests charged so far, nine have been convicted. One awaits extradition from India. Though not confirmed by the United States Department of Justice, a second priest awaiting extradition from India is now deceased.
Though the investigation produced allegations against hundreds of priests, the AG could not or did not pursue charges in all cases for a variety of reasons, including:
- The accused was deceased
- The statute of limitations for pursuing charges had passed
- Accusers did not want to pursue criminal charges
- The conduct was not in violation of Michigan law
White Law PLLC continues to follow the Michigan priest scandal. Our team is committed to exposing abusive priests and corruption within the Church-at-large so victims can get justice. If you have been abused by a priest in any Michigan diocese, connect with us for compassionate–yet aggressive and highly effective–legal representation.
The Michigan Priest Scandal by Diocese
- Sexual abuse allegations at the Diocese of Detroit include 81 credible accusations against priests and deacons
- .In investigating sexual abuse allegations in the Diocese of Gaylord, the AG determined there were credible sexual abuse accusations against 14 priests
- .Sexual abuse allegations at the Diocese of Grand Rapids revealed a devastating 207 victims and 105 accused priests, the highest number of allegations of all dioceses
- .There were 22 accused priests and 13 victims revealed in the investigation of sexual abuse allegations at the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
- The investigation into sexual abuse allegations in the Diocese of Lansing produced a list of 23 allegedly sexually abusive priests.
- The AG’s probe into sexual allegations at the Diocese of Marquette showed the diocese had visited sexual abuse upon the community for 73 years.
- So far, two of the 16 priests included in sexual abuse allegations at the Diocese of Saginaw have been convicted.
How You Can Get Justice
If you have been a victim of the Michigan priest scandal, you deserve justice. Connect with a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC for a free case review as soon as possible. If you have legal grounds to hold your abuser accountable, our team will handle every aspect of your case, providing fierce advocacy and loyal support throughout.
Your attorney will dig deep to find evidence supporting your claim. Our team has the experience, resources, and connections to make our evidence search powerful and productive. We will also consider the different ways the abuse has affected your life and calculate a settlement demand to cover your losses and recognize your pain.
Sexual abuse affects victims deeply–wounding them both in the moments of abuse and long after. Victims of the Michigan priest scandal may bear physical scars from injuries or sexually transmitted diseases, carry emotional and psychological trauma that hurts their relationships and sense of self-worth, and lead to substance abuse as they seek relief from the constant pain. These various effects can also prevent victims from finding their way in life–unable to hold gainful employment or settle into contentment.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Demand Justice
Abusers often frighten their victims, especially young ones, into silence. The priests and other clergy involved in the Michigan priest scandal used this evil tactic successfully for decades. It is time for victims to demand justice, and White Law PLLC is ready to help you raise your voice and fight for that justice.
Our team is forceful–we fight boldly. We also know that this fight is extremely personal to you and one made necessary only because you were victimized. Count on us to treat you with sensitivity, respect, and steadfast loyalty as we work to demand accountability from your abuser.
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