For far too long, many leaders in the church have betrayed the trust of their followers, particularly through the heinous act of child sexual abuse. Cases like Father Michale Hale’s sexual abuse accusations highlight the urgent need to expose and address this pervasive problem, as well as hold the institutions that support it accountable. If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, you deserve justice.
We are here when you need a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer who is dedicated to helping survivors seek the compensation and closure they deserve.
With over $1.4 billion in settlements secured for our clients, we have a track record that speaks to our experience and tireless pursuit of justice.
Contact our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and begin your journey toward healing.
Prosecuting Clergy Sexual Abuse within the Church
Recent legal reforms in Michigan have taken important steps to support survivors of clergy abuse, but much work remains to be done to address this pervasive issue.
While nothing can compensate for sexual abuse, we help survivors find healing and closure by holding abusers and the institutions that allow them accountable. Potential areas of compensation our Michigan personal injury lawyers seek include:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Sexual abuse can take many forms, from subtle acts of grooming to more overt physical assault. By sharing your story, you can help raise awareness of common signs of clergy abuse, potentially preventing future abuse and supporting other survivors. If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy abuse, please know that you are not alone.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Father Michael Hale
According to Bishop Accountability, Father Michael Hale was ordained in 1947 and appears to have remained active in ministry until his death in 1975. Included in the Michigan Attorney General’s 2022 report on the Diocese of Marquette, Hale gets credit as one of the longest lists of accusations documented within the account’s list of sexual abusers within the church. The report details at least nine victims who had various sexual abuse encounters with Father Hale.
The first accusations of sexual abuse against Father Hale that is documented occurred in 1955, with a 15–year–old boy who he picked up hitchhiking, offering to take him on a private boat ride and telling dirty jokes.
In 1956, Hale was sent for a brief time to the Servants of the Paraclete in New Mexico for treatment. Although this treatment may have related more to his struggles with alcohol, which he blamed for any “past mistakes.”
Whatever the treatment was for, Hale was reported to have further issues both with alcohol and sexual impropriety with boys at each new church he was reassigned to.
Apparently an active predator up to the time of his death, Father Hale was reported in 1972 to be taking young boys to a camp where he plied them with alcohol, touched them inappropriately, and exposed himself, among other actions. In 2004, a man reported sexual abuse that happened to him as a teenager.
The Church’s Accountability in Father Hale’s Abuse
Father Hale’s sexual abuse was so commonly known that members of the Church referred to it as “his old problem.” In a letter to Bishop Thomas Noa, Monsignor Joseph Zryd suggests reassigning Hale to a different area so the police would “hush up the matter.” It is not noted whether this is referring to sexual impropriety or Hale’s drunk driving accidents, of which it appears he had several.
Whatever the case, the church reacted to the accusations of Hale’s abuse in the same manner, merely moving him to a different parish. In his 28 years in ministry, he was transferred around from an orphanage in Marquette, St. Joseph’s parish in Hancock, St. Cecelia’s Church in Caspian, St. Rita’s Church in Trenary, and likely several others not mentioned in the report.
This shows the consequences of failing to monitor predator priests and that the Church’s methods of reassignments are not effective in preventing future abuse of minors from occurring.
The Cyclical Nature of Abuse – Father Joseph Carne
An interesting note about Father Michael Hale is that he is mentioned several times in the Diocese of Marquette’s report, not just regarding his own.
Father Joseph Carne, a sexual abuser himself, stated that he was also sexually abused by Hale, which led to Carne having, as he said, “lifelong troubles.” While survivors of abuse have no excuse for becoming abusers themselves, this speaks to the pervasive issue of sexual abuse within the Church and underlines how the cyclical nature of abuse must be put to an end.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Michigan’s Statute of Limitations
The trauma of sexual abuse often keeps people from disclosing or even remembering their abuse until later in life. According to Child USA, the average age at which a person feels safe to disclose their abuse is 52.
This can pose significant challenges for survivors seeking justice, especially when considering Michigan’s statute of limitations for clergy abuse.
In civil claims, survivors generally have 10 years from the date of the abuse or until their 28th birthday to file a lawsuit. In criminal cases, there is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual abuse or assault, which means charges can be brought regardless of when the abuse occurred. However, second and third-degree charges are often limited to 6 years or the age of 28.
There are some exceptions that could apply that may allow you to extend this legal deadline. However, it is crucial to act promptly to protect your legal right to pursue justice. No matter how much time has passed, contact us to discuss what options may be available for you.
White Law PLLC Leads the Fight Against Clergy Sexual Abuse
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a situation like Father Michael Hale’s sexual abuse accusations, you deserve justice. White Law PLLC is committed to standing with survivors and holding abusers accountable.
We understand that the road to healing can be long and challenging, but with our experienced team by your side, you do not have to face it alone.
We are here to listen and advocate for your story to be told. Contact us today to set up a free case consultation and to learn more about your legal options. We want to help you begin your journey toward healing.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
