Religious leaders are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and protecting those who follow them. Tragically, some have abused their positions of power to commit sexual abuse, particularly against minors. One such case involves Father Richard T. Craig sexual abuse accusations while he was a former priest in the Catholic Diocese.
If you or a loved one has survived sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, you have the right to seek justice. At White Law PLLC, our firm has a proven track record of securing over $1.37 billion in settlements for survivors of sexual abuse in our state.
Contact a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.
Sexual Abuse Investigations in the Diocese of Marquette
In 2018, the Michigan Attorney General’s office initiated a comprehensive investigation into clergy sexual abuse allegations across the state’s seven Catholic dioceses.
After four years, the investigation into the Diocese of Marquette concluded, revealing that 44 priests had credible accusations of sexual abuse against them. Father Richard T. Craig was one of those noted in the report.
Only three of the 44 priests named in the report have faced criminal charges, and only one has been convicted. This does not mean that survivors of clergy abuse should not continue to seek justice.
At White Law PLLC, our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers have successfully helped survivors of sexual abuse hold their perpetrators accountable and seek compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Even if the statute of limitation has expired, sharing these stories helps to hold the Church to a higher standard and bring to light the leadership that allowed abuse to occur under their watch.
In the case of sexual abuse allegations against Father Richard T. Craig, the only reason the abuse was noted was through a casual comment made by a child. Contact our Michigan personal injury lawyers for representation.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Father Richard T. Craig
Father Richard T. Craig, who was ordained in 1988, served in the Diocese of Marquette. In 1991, he came under scrutiny after a twelve-year-old boy, John Doe8, revealed that he had repeatedly slept in the same bed as Father Craig. This occurred during a private counseling session, but it was immediately reported to the Diocese so action could be taken.
An immediate investigation into the sexual abuse allegations was launched. During an interview with Gerald Wiater, M.A., and Bishop Mark Schmitt, Father Craig waived confidentiality, revealing further disturbing details regarding the sexual abuse.
Among other admissions, the Diocese of Marquette’s report documented that Father Craig admitted to kissing the boy on the lips, sleeping in the same bed, toweling the boy off after baths, and supplying him with alcohol.
In early June of 1991, Catholic Social Services opened a case with law enforcement regarding Father Richard T. Craig’s sexual abuse allegations, but the prosecutor’s investigation was closed without any criminal charges being pressed.
After meeting with a team, it was decided that he would be sent to St. Luke Institute for assessment, where he stayed from June 16-21, 1991. After this time, Father Craig voluntarily requested a leave of absence, citing personal reasons, and sought treatment at several other medical facilities.
After the Accusations
The Diocese encouraged Father Craig to refrain from contact with the Doe8 family, any contact with minors, and reside in the Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden, MI, during his medical leave.
However, they soon found a newspaper report showing that he did not follow their guidance. He attended a funeral Mass with a member of the family and spent time afterward at the Doe8 family home.
On September 2, 1993, additional information was revealed to the sex abuse investigation team that Father Craig touched him sexually while on a camping trip.
Following an internal review, the Diocese substantiated the claim against him and unanimously agreed he should resign from his position as a priest. According to Bishop Accountability, Bishop Doerfler invited Craig to seek laicization in 2018, but as of 2022, his status is still listed as on a leave of absence from the Diocese.
Statute of Limitations in Michigan Sexual Abuse Cases
Repressed memories, fear, and guilt can keep survivors of sexual abuse from disclosing or even remembering their experiences due to the trauma that was caused.
This delay can create situations where criminal or civil charges may not be possible to pursue due to Michigan’s statute of limitations for clergy abuse. However, no matter how much time has passed, it is still important to speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who can advise you on possible legal recourse and next steps.
Typically, sexual abuse survivors in Michigan have 10 years or until their 28th birthday to file a claim. That being said, some exceptions could be possible depending on the circumstances of your case. There is also no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual abuse.
Survivors of sexual abuse, particularly those victimized by religious leaders, deserve justice and healing. When individuals, especially minors, are betrayed by those they trust, the consequences can be devastating.
At White Law PLLC, we are committed to helping survivors hold perpetrators accountable and embark on their journey of recovery.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Seeking Justice for Survivors of Clergy Abuse
At White Law PLLC, we understand the profound impact of clergy sexual abuse, such as Father Richard T. Craig’s, on a person’s life. Our attorneys are experienced with these kinds of cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to survivors.
We will work tirelessly to hold perpetrators and the institutions that allowed the abuse to occur accountable and help you seek the maximum compensation available under Michigan Law.
By pursuing a lawsuit, survivors may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment and guide you in your legal options.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
