LANSING (MI)
WLNS [Lansing MI]
December 16, 2024
By Todd Heywood and Zack Priehs
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Office of the Michigan Attorney General released a report Monday detailing a sweeping review of allegations of sex abuse in the Lansing Diocese from 1950.
The attorney general says both minors and adults were sexually abused over the decades. The 1970s and ’80s were the peak times for the abuse according to the report.
The attorney general’s office says more charges could be filed, saying there are still open investigations.
The report is 345 pages and draws on an estimated 1.5 million documents seized on Oct. 3, 2018, as part of a statewide effort by Attorney General Dana Nessel to review the growing clergy abuse scandal and subsequent alleged cover-ups.
The report details allegations against individuals within the Lansing Diocese of the Catholic Church. In a news release, Nessel’s team reports the new detailed review includes “56 entries on this list, which includes 48 priests, three religious brothers and an apparent former religious brother, and four deacons; 42 were ordained or incardinated by the Diocese of Lansing.”
Lansing Diocese Report December 2024
Bishop Earl Boyea, who oversees the Lansing Diocese, released the following statement following the release of the Attorney General’s report.
“Having read this long and detailed report, my heart breaks for all those who have suffered due to the evil of clerical sexual abuse which is a great betrayal of Jesus Christ, His Holy Church, the priesthood, and, most gravely, those victims – and their families – who were harmed physically, emotionally, but above all spiritually when they were so young.
“To all those injured by such criminal and immoral actions I say clearly and without hesitation: these terrible things should never have happened to you; I am so deeply sorry that they ever did; please be assured of my prayers, penance, love and support.”
Statement Bishop Earl Boyea, Lansing Diocese, released by email Dec. 16, 2024
Attorney General Bureau Chief Danielle Hagaman Clark says for some, it may take some time to talk about the abuse they experienced, but this doesn’t discredit them.
Play Video: Lansing Diocese had 56 accused of sex abuse, Michigan’s Attorney General says
“Delayed disclosure in reporting that abuse is always gonna occur and that doesn’t mean that it isn’t true,” she says. “It just means that a victim is not comfortable moving forward or even telling anybody about it until their ready.”
Dana Nessel held a news conference Monday afternoon to discuss the report and findings.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to include information from a press conference held by Attorney General Dana Nessel.
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