The Diocese of Lansing, like many other religious institutions, has faced allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members against vulnerable individuals. These allegations have raised profound concerns within the community and underscore the importance of holding perpetrators and responsible institutions accountable for their actions. If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a clergy member, a Lansing clergy sex abuse lawyer at White Law PLLC can review your legal options and discuss the support services offered to assist you in seeking justice and healing.
Sexual Abuse Allegations at the Diocese of Lansing
The history of the Lansing Diocese began in 1937 when Pope Pius XI established the ecclesiastical district. The Diocese encompasses a large portion of central and southeastern Michigan. It comprises ten counties, including major cities such as Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, Adrian, Jackson, Owosso, and Ypsilanti.
The Diocese of Lansing has been the subject of sexual abuse allegations involving clergy members accused of abusing minors and vulnerable adults. These allegations have emerged over several decades, prompting investigations, lawsuits, and public scrutiny of the Diocese’s response to reports of abuse. The sexual abuse allegations at the Diocese of Lansing have involved various forms of misconduct, including:
- Sexual assault: Cases of clergy members engaging in non-consensual acts with minors or vulnerable adults under their care
- Grooming and manipulation: Instances of clergy members using their positions of trust and authority to groom and manipulate individuals for sexual exploitation
- Cover-up and institutional negligence: Allegations of the Diocese failing to adequately address reports of abuse, covering up misconduct, and enabling perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior
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State of Michigan Attorney General Clergy Abuse Investigation
In September 2018, the Michigan Attorney General’s office, in collaboration with the Michigan State Police (MSP), launched a comprehensive investigation into clergy sexual abuse across all seven Catholic dioceses in the state. This initiative aimed to uncover potential criminal activity and hold those responsible accountable. The investigation’s key aspects included:
- Focus: The investigation primarily targeted sexual abuse allegations against clergy members, with an emphasis on those failing to report such abuse.
- Scope: All seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan fell under the investigation’s purview.
- Evidence gathering: A significant amount of evidence was collected, with estimates suggesting the Attorney General and MSP seized over 1.5 million paper documents.
In October 2020, the Attorney General’s office released a report regarding an update on its clergy abuse investigation. It identifies numerous priests accused of sexual abuse in the Lansing Diocese and the number of known victims. Attorney General Nessel plans to release a separate report regarding the results of its investigation into each diocese upon completion.
Lansing Diocese Clergy with Sexual Assault Allegations
The Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, has published a list of its clergy members who have faced credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. A credible allegation means that an investigation revealed the accusation’s validity, the clergy member admitted the allegation, or the allegation resulted in the member’s removal from ministry, criminal conviction, or civil settlement. Diocesan officials have identified the following clergy members as those who have sexually abused minors in the Diocese of Lansing since 1937:
- Timothy Crowley
- Paul James Guoan
- James Martin Novak
- Joseph Emile Aubin
- Vincent Anthony DeLorenzo
- Alexander Thomas Fitzgerald
- Terrence Healy
- Michael Robert Kelly
- James William Lee, Jr.
- Marian John Lesniak
- John Edward Martin
- John Donald Slowey
- Chester Vincent Tomaszewski
- Francis Wahowiak
- Darius Wyszynski
- Bishop James Stephen Sullivan
- Patrick Egan
- Jason Sigler
- Lehr Barkenquest
- Alphonse Boardway
- Joseph McHugh
- James Rapp
- Eugene Fish
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The Scope of the Issue in the Diocese of Lansing
Determining the exact scope of sexual abuse in the Catholic church is challenging due to several factors, including limited public information, undisclosed abuse, and ongoing investigations. We do know that the Lansing Diocese maintains a list of clergy members with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Further, cases like Brian McLain v. Diocese of Lansing (2023) highlight ongoing legal battles by survivors seeking justice.
Although the precise scope of clergy abuse is not clear, we can presume that the number of reported cases likely represents a fraction of the actual sexual abuse incidents by the Diocese of Lansing clergy. A delayed disclosure factsheet published by Child USA reports that 62% of abuse victims remain silent about their abuse. If you are a victim of clergy abuse, we encourage you to reach out to our White Law PLLC’s clergy sex abuse attorneys to take a powerful first step toward healing and holding your perpetrator and the institution accountable.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Legal Options for Survivors
The allegations against the Lansing Diocese have had profound and lasting effects on survivors, their families, and the broader community, highlighting the need for accountability. There are several legal options for survivors of clergy abuse. These options for seeking justice and compensation for harm suffered include the following:
- Civil lawsuits: Survivors can file civil lawsuits against the perpetrators of abuse and the Diocese of Lansing seeking compensation for their injuries, damages, and emotional distress. These lawsuits allow survivors to hold responsible parties accountable and obtain financial compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the abuse.
- Criminal prosecution: Survivors can report instances of sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities, who may investigate the allegations and pursue criminal charges against the perpetrators.
- Mediation and settlements: Survivors may mediate or negotiate with the Diocese of Lansing or other defendants to resolve their claims outside of court. Settlements can provide survivors with compensation and closure without needing a lengthy and public trial, allowing them to move forward with their lives.
Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers can investigate your case and determine your legal options. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping victims seek justice. We are committed to achieving favorable case results for our clients.
Let Us Help You Seek Justice
The sexual abuse allegations at the Diocese of Lansing have had a profound impact on survivors, their families, and the community at large. By understanding your legal options and accessing support services, you can take essential steps toward seeking justice, healing, and reclaiming your life. Contact our clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC today to start your free case consultation with no obligation.
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