The issue of sexual abuse in religious institutions has received considerable attention in recent history. Within the Catholic Church and the seven Diocese in the state of Michigan, there have been many allegations, including Father Joseph Carne sexual abuse accusations.
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused within the Church, contact our Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyers. We are here to listen and help you understand the legal rights you may have to pursue justice against your abuser. We have successfully secured over $1.4 billion for our clients.
Legal Consequences of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse carries significant legal consequences for both the abuser and the religious institution impacted. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are both legal options for survivors of clergy abuse. At White Law PLLC, our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers stop at nothing to pursue justice against abusers.
When a clergy member is found guilty of sexual abuse and assault, particularly offenses against minors, they may face severe penalties, including substantial fines, prison time, and mandatory registration as a sex offender, depending on what type of case was pursued. Despite the legal frameworks in place, there are instances where individuals like Father Joseph Carne escape accountability. In his case, he never faced criminal or civil charges related to the allegations of sexual abuse, but that does not have to be true for your case.
The failure to prosecute such cases perpetuates a culture of silence about such topics within religious institutions. Our Michigan personal injury lawyers advocate for reform in both legal and institutional responses to sexual abuse. If you are concerned about the statute of limitations on clergy abuse, be sure to speak with our Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer to learn about what legal options could still be available for you.
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Allegations Against the Clergy of the Diocese of Marquette
In recent years, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has launched an investigation into sexual abuse within the religious institutions in the state of Michigan. There are seven dioceses within the Catholic Church in Michigan, and their comprehensive report was published after four years of investigation. The report on the Diocese of Marquette identifies 44 priests with allegations of sexual misconduct with children or adults from the year 1950 onward.
Of those listed, Father Joseph D. Carne’s sexual abuse accusations are one of six other diocesan priests who are noted as having substantiated claims against them. Of those listed in the report, 32 are either known or presumed to be deceased. Only three of the 44 priests with recorded allegations against them were ever convicted for their sexual misconduct, those being:
- Father Terrence Healy, convicted of second-degree criminal sexual misconduct with a minor in 1987
- Father Norbert LaCosse, convicted of criminal sexual misconduct with a minor in 1991
- Father Gary Jacobs was convicted of five counts of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct with multiple victims in 2022
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Father Joseph Carne’s Ministry and History
Born in 1945, Father Joseph Carne was ordained a priest in 1971 at his home parish of St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Houghton. In his obituary in The U.P. Catholic, he is listed to have served at St. Michael in Marquette, St. Anne in Escanaba, St. Mary in Rockland, the missions of Sts. Peter and Paul in Greenland, the Immaculate Heart in Donken, the Mission of St. Mary in Atlantic Mine, and St. Sebastian in Bessemer, where he served until he was removed from ministry. Carne died at the age of 73 on May 13, 2019, according to Bishop Accountability.
During his early years of ministry, there are reports of sexual misconduct from multiple witnesses, including a former diocesan staffer. She reported that Carne would prey on “troubled” boys between the ages of 8 and 17, bribing them with alcohol. This staff member sent a detailed report to Bishop Schmitt in 1981, believing he would take action to stop further sexual abuse from happening.
Multiple John Does also came forward with reports of sexual misconduct ranging from inappropriate counseling sessions to coerced sexual activities performed at the rectory and at a summer camp where he served. In 2002, several mothers also reported that the priest had sexually abused their sons, telling another church official that Father Carne was well-known for his sauna sessions with young boys. Several reports regarding male college students were also made.
The Church’s Response to Father Joseph Carne’s Actions
Bishop Mark Schmitt had received multiple complaints about Father Joseph Carne’s misconduct, which were recorded in the diocese’s documents to which the Attorney General gained access. While there were several meetings in the early 80s regarding these reports, Carne was well-liked among many of his parishioners.
A fact-finding committee met in 1982 and determined that Father Carne was in need of psychiatric counseling and was not “totally at fault for the situation,” allowing him to remain in ministry.
Finally, after multiple sexual abuse allegations began to come to public attention in 2002, a precept was issued against Father Carne, completely restricting him from public priestly ministry as well as prohibiting any contact with college fraternities.
He violated this precept multiple times, including in 2005, which was reported by a former member of the Beta Sigma Theta fraternity at Michigan Technological University. In 2012, Bishop Sample promised Father Carne and his family that he would be allowed an exemption to have his funeral at his home parish of St. Ignatius Loyola in Houghton.
White Law PLLC is Your Advocate in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
At White Law PLLC, our case results speak to the amount we believe in supporting survivors of sexual abuse, particularly within the Church. Contact us today to speak with one of our legal advocates and tell your story. Our clergy sex abuse lawyer is waiting to help you on your journey towards justice and recovery.
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