Sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has been a pervasive problem for many years, with numerous allegations emerging from various parts of the world. The seven Dioceses of Michigan’s Catholic Church have been part of these troubling revelations, with over 40 priests facing recognized accusations of sexual misconduct in the last decade. One such case involves Father Thomas Anderson’s sexual abuse accusations.
If someone within the Church has sexually abused you or someone you love, you deserve justice. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers can help establish dollar values for these non-economic losses.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Marquette
Within a religious institution, the congregation is taught that their clergy and spiritual leaders have their best interests at heart. When this trust is betrayed by sexual abuse, especially with minors, the Church, as well as the abuser, deserve to be held accountable for their actions. At White Law PLLC, we strive to support survivors as they pursue legal actions in attempts to gain justice and control back in their lives.
In 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General began investigating clergy abuse within the State of Michigan, particularly in the seven Dioceses of Michigan’s Catholic Church. Four years later, a complete report on the Diocese of Marquette was released, noting 44 priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse. Within this list, Father Thomas Anderson is acknowledged and noted as having at least two survivors having come forward with their stories of abuse.
Within this list, only three priests have been convicted of criminal sexual conduct, and 32 are known or presumed to be dead. Two remain active in ministry within the Diocese of Marquette. Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer to help survivors pursue justice by telling their stories, which could help more survivors be encouraged to come forward with theirs as well.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
The Allegations Against Father Thomas Anderson
Father Thomas Anderson was ordained in 1933 and served in the Diocese of Marquette, Michigan, for over forty years. He served at the St. Agnes School in Iron River, Michigan, St. Mary Queen of Peace Church, and others within the Diocese. Bishop Accountability reports that Fr. Thomas Anderson died in 1981.
The first sexual abuse allegation against Father Thomas Anderson was raised in 2002 by a man who reported that he was sexually abused while he performed duties as an altar server at St. Agnes School in Iron River, Michigan. The abuse was reported from 1963-1967, or grades first through fifth, and when the survivor disclosed this abuse to a teacher, he was not allowed to return to school. Two letters were sent to the Diocese of Marquette from who the Attorney General’s report refers to as John Doe 1; a later letter was sent in 2008.
A second report regarding Father Thomas Anderson’s sexual abuse came to the Department of Attorney General in 2020 by John Doe2. This five-page letter and allegation form reported that Doe2 was abused at age nine by Father Anderson in Kingsford, MI. While these allegations are regarding actions that happened in the distant past, it is important to bring your story to the attention of a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer who can help you determine your legal rights.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Clergy sexual abuse cases are serious matters, and the State of Michigan has recently extended some of its time limits to allow survivors further time to come forward with their stories. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are pursued differently, however, and it is important to understand the difference. While Father Thomas Anderson is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him, legal options for survivors of clergy abuse still could apply.
It may be possible for survivors to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser’s estate. Another option may be to pursue a civil lawsuit against the religious institution that allowed the abuse to occur. They can be held responsible if they:
- Were aware of the abuse, or should have noticed the common signs of clergy abuse
- Failed to take steps to prevent the abuse
- Covered up the abuse or hid evidence
- Did not thoroughly screen their employees and clergy members
- Failed to train their school employees and clergy members properly
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Survivors of sexual abuse may experience trauma and memory loss, which can sometimes hinder their ability to report abuse right away. It is important to remember that supporting sexual abuse to legal authorities can be beneficial, regardless of how much time has elapsed. As with Father Thomsas Anderson’s sexual abuse allegations, even after a significant amount of time has elapsed, survivors can find hope and healing by telling their stories.
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a minor in Michigan varies depending on the specific type of case and the severity of the abuse. There is no time limit for first-degree criminal charges against abusers. For civil cases, Michigan Legislature §600.5805 sets the statute of limitations at ten years or until the victim of child sexual abuse reaches the age of 28.
No matter how much time has passed, reach out to our sexual abuse lawyers to discuss options. There may still be a way to pursue justice. Check out our case results to view some of the recent survivors we have helped.
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
We believe in supporting survivors and pursuing criminal and civil cases is part of that. These lawsuits allow survivors to seek compensation for damages such as medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. They also bring light to serious issues and help others feel comfortable telling their stories.
Accusations against the clergy should be taken seriously. Survivors of sexual abuse, especially those who were minors at the time, deserve to be supported and their stories heard. If you are a survivor of clergy sex abuse from Father Thomas Anderson or another member of the Michigan Catholic Diocese, contact White Law PLLC today to begin this step on the path toward justice.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
