Archdiocese of Detroit MI - BishopAccountability.org

86 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Benedict Adams

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 04/15/2002
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Died 4/15/2002. Worked in Wisconsin for much of his career. On the Saginaw diocese's list 8/9/2019, where he worked 6/26/1963-7/29/1964. Added to the La Crosse diocese's list 2/5/2020; worked at some point at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon

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Fr. Roman Ament

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Died: 01/12/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named publicly as accused by the St. Joseph Province Capuchins on its list in 1/2019 of friars with "confirmed allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults." Ament died in 1984.

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Capuchins St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Joseph Baker

Ordained: 1993
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

"Fr. Jack." Pastor of St. Perpetua in Waterford Township when removed in 6/2019 pending an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused a child early in his ministry. Arrested 7/8/2019, charged with "sexual-conduct penetration with a person under the age of 13." His accuser claimed Baker raped him in a storage closet at St. Mary's in Wayne in 2004, when he was a second-grader preparing for First Communion. Convicted in 10/2022. Sentenced 3/1/2023 to 3-15 years in prison.

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Fr. Harry S. Benjamin

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed from ministry in 1989 after allegations that he abused a 14-year-old boy during overnight pizza and beer parties at the rectory and on a trip to Europe. Admitted the abuse in a 11/1989 resignation letter. Name not released until 5/2002. Criminal charges filed in 2002; sentenced after a 2003 plea agreement to one year in prison. Laicized in 1992 but continued to say mass without permission through 2005. On the Virginia Sex Offender Registry as of 7/2010.

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Fr. Gary D. Berthiaume

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Convicted in 1978 of the abuse of two boys in Detroit. Served six months in jail, then assigned to a parish the Cleveland diocese. After allegations in Cleveland Berthiaume was sent to treatment in MD and then to the Joliet diocese in 1988, where he was allowed to work as a hospital chaplain by Bishop Imesch until 2002. The two had worked together at a MI parish in the 1970s. Living in an IL retreat house as of 2002. Laicization announced in 11/2007. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019. A Detroit victim had filed a civil suit in 1983. Another lawsuit in 1999 claimed abuse in the 1980s. On Cleveland's list 6/21/2019. Arrested in IL in 9/2020 on charges of sexual assault in 1977 of a boy, age 14, at his Farmington MI parish. Charges in MI in two more cases in 6/2021, also for abuse in the 1970s. Pleaded guilty in 11/2021. Admitted in court to sexually abusing young boys and changed his plea to no contest in 1/2022. Sentenced to 20 months to 15 years in prison. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report, which notes four "reported survivors."

Sr. Gael N. Biondo

Order: OP
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

"Sr. Mary Gael." Left religious life in 1971 and married. In 1996 the Archdiocese and Order settled a civil suit filed in 1995 by a woman claiming she was sexually abused by Biondo 1964-1972, beginning when the woman was a high school student and continuing into her college years. Biondo, who denied the accusations, was the girl's freshman English teacher. She died in 5/2020, at age 93.

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Fr. Brian Bjorklund

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 09/25/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Navy chaplain. Removed from active ministry in 2003 after allegations that he abused a male minor in the early years of his priesthood. No criminal charges. Review board found charge to be substantive. Reinstated as an active priest in 2/2004 after the Vatican ruled that, per canon law in place in 1975-1976, the alleged action "did not constitute the crime of sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16." The Navy did not take him back. Died 9/25/2007.

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Fr. Edmund S. Borycz

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 01/8/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Placed on leave in 7/2002. Worked in Detroit and Livonia parishes. Assigned to the Archdiocese of Military Services 1989-2001. Accused of abuse of five youths between 1963 and 1987. Police knew of an allegation in 1987; file sealed. Placed on permanent inactive status with no privileges by the Vatican in 6/2006. Died 1/8/2018. Name included on the Erie diocese's list released 4/6/2018 of priests and lay employees and volunteers accused of sexually abusing minors. On the Detroit archdiocese's list 6/10/2019.

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Fr. William B. Brennan

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 02/5/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Placed on leave in 2003 after allegations of sexual misconduct during early years of ministry. Three female complainants made separate allegations. Archdiocese investigated for 9 months before determining that allegations were credible. Permanently removed from public ministry by Vatican per 9/2005 announcement. No criminal charges because of statute of limitations. Died 2/5/2012.

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Fr. Gary Bueche

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed from parish assignment 4/2002 after it was learned that the archdiocese had made a "secret cash settlement" several years prior to a male who said he had been sexually abused by Bueche, when the priest was a high school chaplain. Bueche was moved to archdiocesan offices for several years before being allowed to return to parish work. Named as co-conspirator in 5/2004 civil case. Permanently removed from public ministry. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Robert N. Burkholder

Ordained: 1947
Status: Convicted

Died: 06/6/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Called one of Michigan's worst pedophiles. Abused in the1940s. First complaint in 1968. "Retired" in 1985. Removed in 1993 after admitting in writing to molesting at least 23 boys. Civil suits filed in 1994; dismissed on statute of limitations. Settlement in 1995. On sick leave per Catholic Directory but worked as an Army chaplain in Hawaii from 1982. Extradited in 2002; pleaded no contest. Sentenced to 30 days jail and five years probation. Permanently removed without privileges in 2005. Named in two suits in Hawaii in 2009 filed by same plaintiff. Died 6/6/2006. Included on Detroit archdiocese's list 6/10/2019.

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Social Security Death Index accessed 02.12

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Fr. Thomas J. Cain

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 10/1/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Died in 1984. The Archdiocese announced on its website 10/27/2014 that Cain was accused decades after his death of having sexually abused minors, and that the Archdiocesan Board of Review found the allegations to be credible. Cain worked in Pontiac, Monroe, Mt. Clemens, Detroit, and from 1960-1984 in Livonia. Included on the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Anthony J. Conti

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Died: 10/9/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Previously known as A. J. "Anthony" Helinski through at least 1988. Removed in 2002 after allegations of sexual misconduct with a boy under 18 more than 20 years previously. Permanently banned from ministry. Named in a 2004 civil suit. Laicized in 6/2006. Died 10/9/2016. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Times Herald [MI] 5.06.02

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Fr. Arthur Cooney

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in 6/18/2013 Capuchin audit report as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Cooney's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was removed from public ministry and living under supervision. On the Saginaw diocese's list 8/9/2019.

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Fr. Augustine Cops

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1986
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

From the Netherlands. Joined the Capuchin Order as a friar in 1959. Ordained in 1986. Named publicly as the subject of substantiated allegations by the St. Joseph Province Capuchins on their list in 10/2020. (Placing Cops' entry under Detroit, where the Province is based.) Included on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022, where he was assigned to a parish 1986-1988. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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St. Joseph Province Capuchins List 08.19.21

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Fr. Patrick J. D’Angelo

Ordained: 1983
Status: Accused

Died: 12/8/1998
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

D'Angelo (DeAngelo) included on the archdiocese's 10/2009 Priests and Policy Status Report. It notes that his "situation" was "previously handled under the archdiocesan policy" and that he is deceased. He died 12/8/1998. Per the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019, D'Angelo had been removed from publicly ministry.

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Br. Frank Luke Dalton

Order: CFC
Status: Accused

Died: 01/11/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Entered the Order in 1955. Worked in British Columbia, Palma HS in Salinas CA 1964-1969, 1988-1999. Tutored and counseled migrant labor camp children; held camp for preteen migrant labor camp children via Franciscan Workers. Was commissioner on Monterey County Juvenile Justice Commission. Also at CFC schools in Butte, MT; Joliet, IL; Burbank, IL, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Cantwell High School, Montebello, CA. Taught and coached sports. Died 1/11/2001. A man testified in a MI state hearing on the statute of limitations in 5/2018 that Dalton abused him at Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills MI about 40 years prior, when he was a student and Dalton was principal. He said abuse included Dalton grooming him with gifts, spitting in his mouth during a private wrestling session, grabbing his testicles another time in Dalton's car, biting him on the ear. The man said Dalton was transferred to CA after admitting that he'd had a "wet dream" about the boy.

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Findagrave Obit accessed 05.18.18

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Detroit News 05.03.18

Fr. Michael J. Daly

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 01/30/2012
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Privileges permanently revoked 6/2002 because of past allegations of sexual abuse. Daly was originally placed on leave in 1994 because of a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with minors. In 1996 he began working as a chaplain for the Felician Sisters in restricted ministry. Permanently barred by the Vatican from public ministry in 5/2005. Died 1/30/2012 at age 63.

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Fr. Luis Javier de Alba Campos

Ordained: 1983
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

From the diocese of San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. Arrived in the Archdiocese of Detroit MI in 2/2004. Accused in 6/2004 of fondling a 7-year-old boy. Arrested in 8/2004 and arraigned on two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Admitted to being drunk in the boys' family's home and sleeping in his underwear with the boy. Acquitted by jury trial in 1/2005 but still barred from duties while archdiocese continued internal investigation. Apparently returned to his home diocese in Mexico. On the Detroit archdiocese's list 6/10/2019, which notes that de Alba Campos was briefly an extern priest there, then transferred out.

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Fr. Harold Charles Depp

Ordained: 1959
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Reportedly in 5/2003, Depp walked away from his parish in the Detroit archdiocese in 1963 and never returned. Placed "on leave." Never officially left the priesthood. In the 1980s the Archdiocese learned that in 1982 Depp had been convicted of child sexual abuse and was serving eight years in an Alaskan prison. He was arrested in California in 2003 on charges of abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1971 while a visiting priest from Detroit. Charges dropped 7/15/2003 due to the statute of limitations. Included on the Detroit Archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Dennis D. Duggan

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed from parish in 3/2002 after credible allegation of abuse. He denied abuse but admitted alcohol abuse. At least five known complaints of abuse in the 1980s and 1990s. Church trial ordered by the Archdiocese in 2004. Laicization announced 4/20/2007. Included on the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Lawrence A. Edwards

Ordained: 1939
Status: Sued

Died: 03/23/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused by a man in a 5/2004 lawsuit of molesting him as a boy, ages 10-12, at St. Mary's in Milford. The suit also said there are numerous other victims. The Archdiocese may have know of Lawrence's behavior in 1967. He retired in 1985 and died in 3/1999.

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Fr. Jude T. Ellinghausen

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

"Retired" with restricted ministry in 6/2002 because of old allegations found in his personnel file by a County Prosecutor. Allegations too old for criminal charges. After Ellinghausen retired, a male complainant came forward to allege that Ellinghausen abused him as a child for three years in the 1970s. Named in a civil suit. Laicization announced in 2005. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2020.

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Detroit News 07.01.02

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Fr. Lawrence T. Fares

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

From Kobayath, Akkar, Lebanon. Ordained in Rome. Arrived in the U.S. in 1969, began work in the Detroit archdiocese. Incardinated in 1977. Retired in 1997. Removed from ministry in 1/2021, at age 96, after the Archdiocese Board of Review deemed credible allegations of child sex abuse dating to early in his priesthood. The Archdiocese was informed in 7/2019 of the allegations, which had been reported to the police. Added to Archdiocese's list of accused in 1/2021.

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Fr. Joseph P. Femminineo

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Died: 05/1/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Assignments included all girls' Ladywood High School in Livonia, MI in 1985-1987. It was announced in 2002 that Femminineo resigned from St. Rita Parish in Holly MI 10/20/1996 after old allegations surfaced of sexual misconduct involving minors. In 5/2005 the Archdiocese announced that the Vatican had permanently barred Femminineo from public ministry. Included on the Archdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Died in 5/2020.

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Fr. Leonard R. Foisy

Order: SS
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Died: 04/29/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Foisy's education and career took him from his native New Hampshire to New York, Montreal, Washington DC, Maryland and Michigan. He held leadership positions as a Sulpilcian and in the Diocese of Manchester, where he also did parish and hospital work. Accused in a 1994 lawsuit of abusing a boy over four years in the 1960s in Michigan, when he was administrator of St. John's Seminary in Plymouth. Placed on sick leave in 1996. Died 4/29/2016.

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Fr. Egbert Heinlein

Order: CMM
Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Died: 10/29/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Detroit archdiocese on its list in 2023. Heinlein died in 1999.

Sources:

Archdiocese of Detroit List 02.01.23

Fr. Leopold Gleissner

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Gleissner's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he was removed from public ministry and was placed under supervision.

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Fr. Louis E. Grandpre

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Died: 02/20/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Retired as pastor of St. Paul of Tarsus in Clinton Township in 2003. Remained in residence as a senior priest. Removed from all public ministry in 9/2013 after the diocesan review board found an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the early years of his career to be substantive. Matter reported to County Prosecutor. In 9/2013, SNAP released a 9/22/1997 memo from Bishop Harrington regarding a sexual harassment case against Grandpre. Died 2/20/2016.

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Fr. Clarence (Rudolph) Grosser

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 05/13/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Born in Czechoslovakia. Grew up in WI. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Grosser's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he went to the New York Province in 1952. Per his obituary, Grosser taught at Mt. Calvary minor seminary in WI in his early career, then worked at parishes in Milwaukee WI, Yonkers, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, NY. Also assigned to friaries in Hudson NH and Garrison NY, then to a chapel in Springfield MA. Semi-retired in 1974 to the Milton MA novitiate, then the Abington MA friary. Died 5/13/1989.

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Fr. Robert W. Haener

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 04/10/2024
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused of psychologically and sexually abusing numerous boys at two parishes and two Catholic schools in the 1960s and early 1970s. During an investigation at a school in the late 1960s, several unknown priests came to the school and questioned about 30 boys. Nothing else was done for many years. Removed from his parish in 1992 and then worked as hospital chaplain. Removed in 2002. Permanently removed from public ministry by the Vatican in 2005. Included on the archdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Died 4/10/2024.

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Fr. Kent Hajduk

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 01/24/2018
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named publicly by the Province of St. John the Baptist Franciscans in 1/2021 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. Hajduk left the order and was was laicized. He died 1/24/2018. Included on the Archdiocese of Detroit's list 1/14/2021. On the Cincinnati archdiocese's list 2/14/2022.

Sources:

Detroit News 01.15.21
Archdiocese of Detroit List 01.14.21
Archdiocese of Cincinnati List 02.14.22

Fr. Albert Hillebrand

Order: OSA
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Died: 07/20/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Ordained for the Augustinian Order. Principal from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s of Austin Catholic Prep High School in Detroit. Appears to have left the Order in the early 1980s and to have become a priest of the archdiocese. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Detroit archdiocese on its list 6/10/2019. Removed from public ministry. Died 7/20/1999.

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Archdiocese of Detroit List 06.10.19

Fr. Thomas J. Johnston

Order: OP
Ordained: 1986
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

A church secretary in the Detroit archdiocese sued Johnston in 2000 saying her work contract was not renewed because her teenage son had rebuffed the priest's sexual advances in 1999. Johnston admitted inappropriate sexual behavior and language but denied any sexual contact. Removed from the parish and sent to IL. Released in 2006 from the Order. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019. On the St. Albert the Great Province Dominicans' list 4/21/2022 and on the Chicago archdiocese's list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Neil Kalina

Order: PIME
Ordained: 1981
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Complaint to the Archdiocese in 2017 that Kalina fondled a 12-year-old boy after plying him with alcohol, cocaine and marijuana during sleepovers in the rectory of St. Kieran in Utica in the mid-1980s. Kalina was the parish pastor. Convicted in 1985 on drug offenses, sentenced in 1986 to six months in jail and two years' probation. Moved to CA in 1986. Left active ministry in 1993. Ran "a faith-based service program for at-risk young men" and referring to himself as "Fr. Neil." Investigated in 2018 by the MI A.G. Arrested in 5/2019 in Littlerock CA, charged with criminal sexual conduct. To be arraigned 2/10/2020 on two charges related to alleged incidents involving a teenager in 1984. On the Detroit archdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Included on the San Bernardino diocese's list in 5/2021, where he was assigned 1987-1989 to parishes in Redlands and Riverside. Convicted in 6/2022. Sentenced on 7/26/2022 to 7-15 years in prison, with credit for 215 days served.

Fr. Arthur Michael Karey

Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 01/6/1993
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Monsignor. Worked in Detroit, Ecorse and Orion. Police chaplain. Died in 1993. The archdiocese announced in 6/2018 that it had investigated and deemed credible an allegation received the previous year that Karey had sexually abused a girl under age 16, in the early to mid years of his priesthood.

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Fr. Kenneth Kaucheck

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Died: 07/18/2024
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

A woman contacted the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1/2009 alleging that Kaucheck had engaged in sexual misconduct with her in 1976 when she was 16 and in counseling with him at Guardian Angels in Clawson. At that time, a friend learned that the two had traveled to FL together and told a deacon who told the pastor. The girl's father met with the pastor; Kaucheck was transferred. After the 2009 events, Kaucheck was placed on leave effective 4/23/2009; the Review Board deemed the complaint substantive. He resigned his positions as pastor of St. Mary's in Royal Oak and St. James' in Ferndale. Not prosecuted because the girl was older than the MI age of consent at the time. In 2015, with a nun, Kaucheck founded Gianna House Pregnancy and Parenting Residence, a facility for pregnant teens in Eastpointe. According to the Archdiocese, Kaucheck resigned from the center on 4/17/2016. Kaucheck filed suit v SNAP and two newspapers 1/30/2017 alleging defamation; he 'vehemently maintained his innocence'. Died 7/18/2024.

Fr. C. Richard Kelly, Jr.

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Died: 01/3/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Placed on leave 2/2004 after archdiocese investigated allegations that he sexually abused a minor boy about 30 years prior. Matter reported to civil authorities in 2003. Review committee found the allegations "substantive." Had gone on leave of absence in 1973 and sabbatical in 1992. Army National Guard chaplain for 12 years; spent 8 months overseas during Persian Gulf War in 1991. Sued 5/2004 by man who alleged abuse in third grade. Permanently removed from public ministry in 2005. Included on the archdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Died 1/3/2021.

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Sr. Theresa Marie Kulwicki

Order: C.S.S.F.
Status: Accused

Died: 03/12/1994
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Given name Patricia Kulwicki. Kulwicki was a Felician nun for eight years before leaving the order in 1973. She was accused publicly in 2019 by a 57-year-old woman who said Kulwicki sexually abused her for ten years, beginning when she was age 14. The woman was a student of Kulwicki's at Our Lady of Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, MI. She said she and her family reported the abuse to the archdiocese in the late 1980s, and that Kulwicki denied it. She was allowed to continue teaching at the school until her death in 1994.

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Fr. John Baptist Kurcz

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

John Baptist/Donald Kurcz. Identified in 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as former friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Kurcz's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he left the order in 1958 and married.

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Fr. Dennis Laesch

Ordained: 1996
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Entered seminary at age 36; there were complaints then of unwanted propositions toward another student and of violence. Accused of abusing a 17-year-old boy in 1997, who came forward in 2002. Authorities declined to prosecute. Archdiocese paid $125K settlement. Named in 2004 civil suit. Permanently barred from public ministry by the Vatican in 2007.

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Fr. Richard Lauinger

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

On 3/28/2016 the archdiocese announced credible allegations that Lauinger sexually abused minors while in ministry. A woman disclosed publicly that Lauinger raped her when she was 10 years old in the 1950s and attending Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington MI, where Lauinger was a priest. She filed a police report in 2/2016; no prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Lauinger also worked at parishes in Detroit, Royal Oak, Scotland, and St. Clair Shores. Left the priesthood in 1975 and moved from MI in 1985. Per the archdiocese on 4/1/2016, several victims had come forward since 1/2016. Included on the archdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Laicized.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Detroit News Release 03.28.16

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Fr. Walter J. Lezuchowski

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 12/29/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Barred from parish ministry in 1991 after the archdiocese deemed credible allegations that he had sexually abused a girl over age 16. Sent for treatment. In 2002 another criminal complaint was made. Lezuchowski had at that point been actively ministering for five years at St. Ronald's in Clinton Township; the archdiocese said it had no idea he had been still working. Immediately suspended. Permanently banned from ministry in 2005. Died 12/29/2006.

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Archdiocese of Detroit Press Release 05.10.02

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Fr. Michael D. Malawy

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Died: 07/25/2015
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed from ministry in 2004 after allegations of sexual misconduct in his early years of ministry. Permanently removed him from public ministry by the Vatican in 6/2006. Died 7/24/2015. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Dennis L. Martell

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Included in the archdiocese's 9/2002 Status Report. Laicized. The Catholic Directories show him assigned 1992-1993 to Immaculate Conception of the BVM in Lapeer, and in 1993-1994 as Absent on Leave. He is not indexed in the Directories beyond 1994. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Bruce C. Maxwell

Order: OSC
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Died: 02/17/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Worked in Indiana in 1975, Nebraska 1975-1982, Detroit 1983-89. Navy chaplain 1989-2002, working in California, Bahrain, Florida, Japan and North Carolina. Removed in 2002 for abuse of a minor. Sent to the Crosier Community in Phoenix with no ministry. Died 2/17/2006. Included on the Crosiers list in 3/2014. On the Santa Rosa diocese's list 1/12/2019. Was USCG Training Center chaplain in Petaluma and in residence at St. James 1989-1992. On the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Released by Crosier Order 03.08.14

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Fr. Patrick L. McLaughlin

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 11/12/1970
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. Joined the order in 1925. Subject of a single allegation of abuse, occurring while assigned to the University of Detroit High School 1957-1959, reported after his death. McLaughlin died 11/12/1970. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 12.21.18

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Br. Matthew Migan

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Died: 02/27/1958
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Migan's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him except that he went to the New York Province in 1952. He died 2/27/1958.

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Fr. Alfred J. Miller

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Died: 05/19/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Allowed to officially retire in 2002 after allegations surfaced of sexual misconduct in the late 1960s or early 1970s. No priestly privileges during investigation. Claims of abuse came from more than one person and involved misconduct with older male children. A civil suit was filed in 2003 and another in 2004. Permanently removed from public ministry by the Vatican in 2005. Died 5/19/2021.

Documents:

Michigan Court of Appeals 01.31.06

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Fr. James Moeglein

Order: OSC
Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 01/21/2023
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

In 2002 Moeglein was one of eight Crosiers barred from public ministry and living under restriction after allegations of sexual misconduct. He worked in the Riverview, MI area 1989-1990. One 2000 news article refers to Moeglein as prior of a Crosier Monastery in NE until mid-2000. Living in a Crosier Community in Onamia MN beginning in 2000. No faculties since 6/2002 and as of 2014 was living under safety plan. Named as credibly accused by the Diocese of St. Cloud in 3/2014. Name added 11/2017 to the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese's list of "priests and religious brothers who have served or spent time in the archdiocese and have substantiated claims of sexual abuse of a minor against them." Included on the Detroit Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019. Per the Order's list in 12/2023 Moeglin died 1/21/23.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Released by Crosier Order 03.08.14

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Deacon Frank Mullen

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Deacon at Most Holy Trinity Parish and teacher at Holy Redeemer Parish Elementary School. Placed on leave 12/1993 after a complaint of abuse of a minor several years prior. Archdiocese Status Report of 10/2009 noted that he had been laicized. Included on the Archdiocese's list of accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Timothy J. Murray

Ordained: 1977
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Placed on administrative leave without privileges in 8/2004 because of a substantive allegation of sexual misconduct with a boy early in his ministry. The Archdiocese reported the abuse to the D.A.'s office; no prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Permanently removed from public ministry per Archdiocese Status Report dated 10/2009. Arrested in 12/2012 on federal charges of downloading and viewing child pornography. Confessed. Pleaded guilty in 7/2013. Sentenced to 15 years in prison 1/23/2014. On the Archdiocese's list 6/10/2019.

Fr. Lawrence Nawrocki

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

A woman complained to a regional bishop in 1981 that Nawrocki had abused her 7th grade son. The bishop talked her out of pressing charges. Convicted in 1989 of abuse of three Macomb Township boys in 1987 at St. Isidore Church after the parents banded together and complained. Sentenced to 4-15 years in prison. Released in 1994. The Archdiocese said he would never be returned to public ministry. Deceased, per the archdiocesan website accessed in 10/2009. Included on the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Thomas O’Brien

Donate Photo

Order: OSC
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Died: 01/17/2022
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Limited interaction with minors as of 1989. Removed from public ministry 10/4/2002 for abuse of a minor. Worked in Riverview MI 1989-1994. May also have abused in St. Paul, MN area where he worked 1994-2001. Lived under restrictions, performing internal administrative duties for the Crosier Generalate in Rome 1999-2007. Dismissed from the Order 8/5/2008. Living in Ohio as of 3/2014. Name added 11/3/2017 to the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese's list of "priests and religious brothers who have served or spent time in the archdiocese and have substantiated claims of sexual abuse of a minor against them." Included on the Detroit Archdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Per the Order's list in 12/2023, O'Brien died 1/17/2022.

Assignments:

Assignment Record Released by Crosier Order 03.08.14

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Fr. Loren O’Dea

Ordained: 1993
Status: Accused

Died: 10/14/2015
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Ordained in 1993 after retiring from a career in social work. Given senior (retired) priest status in 1997. Was associate pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington. Removed without privileges in 10/2012 after two complaints received of abuse dating back to just prior to his ordination. Allegations deemed "substantive" by the archdiocese's review board. Sheriff's office notified. Died 10/14/2015, age 87. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2020.

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Fr. Edward Theodore Olszewski

Ordained: 1960
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused of sodomizing his foster son starting when the boy was age 11. Found guilty by jury 12/18/2002 of indecent liberties with a minor, innocent of sodomy charges; sentenced 1/30/2003 to three years probation. New trial denied 3/13/2003. Civil suit filed 12/22/2003 in FL alleging abuse there. Conviction reversed 12/8/2005 by MI Supreme Court: Olszewski "was deprived of an impartial jury." Prosecutor did not retry because his sentence was mostly served. Removed from MI and FL sex-offender registries. Ministry continued to be restricted. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Thaddeus Ozog

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 11/14/1995
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

First named publicly by the archdiocese as accused in 11/2018. Three years prior and again in 2018 a man reported sexual abuse as a minor by Ozog. The archdiocesan review board deemed the allegation credible in 2018. Ozog, a monsignor, was assigned to parishes in Detroit, Birmingham, Waterford Township, Wayne, Flat Rock and Hamtramck. From 1959 to 1975 he was a teacher, registrar, dean and rector at Sacred Heart Seminary. He died in 1994. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Eduard Perrone

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Pastor for 25 years at Assumption of the BVM. Suspended 7/5/2019 after the Archdiocese found an allegation of sexual abuse of a boy decades prior had "a semblance of truth." Denied the allegation. Allegedly would invite altar boys to a lake house, wrestle with them in the water, sometimes groping them. A second former altar boy came forward after Perrone's removal alleging the priest rubbed his genitals in 1981. Case sent to the Vatican; declined to pursue. Perrone was a co-founder in 2002 of Opus Bono Sacerdotii, a group formed to support priests accused of abuse. A woman whose father co-founded Opus Bono spoke out about his alleged abuse of boys, and said Perrone gave her alcohol in the rectory beginning when she was age 12. He sued her for defamation. His parishioners sued the archdiocese in 2/2020, claiming it "fabricated" a rape charge against Perrone. In 7/2020 an arbitration panel found that Perrone was the target of defamation; he was awarded $125K. In 9/2020 he also sued Msgr. Michael Bugarin.

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Fr. Thomas R. Physician

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 08/23/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

In a 5/2004 civil suit filed by four men against four priests, a man alleged that Physician had abused him at Precious Blood parish from age 14 to 17 in the early 1970s. Physician, who had retired in 2002, was placed on leave 1/3/2004. Police investigated but no charges filed. The Archdiocese said charges were "serious and substantive." Physician died 8/23/2004. Included on the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Ralph Quane

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed in 5/2002 from his assignment as a hospital chaplain due to allegations that he sexually abused a minor in the early years of his ministry. Ordered not to wear priestly garb or represent himself as a priest. Laicization announced in 5/2005. Included on the Archdiocese's list 6/10/2019.

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Deacon Hurmiz Risko Ishak

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

From Iraq. Deacon for 21 years. Assigned to St. Joseph Chaldean in Troy when arrested in 10/2018, alleged to have sexually assaulted a young boy at church 5/2017-10/2/2018. Suspended. Found guilty 9/29/2019. Sentenced in 9/2019 to at least four years in prison.

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Fr. Austin Schlaefer

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 06/19/1992
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in 6/18/2013 Capuchin audit report as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. He died 6/19/1992 in Saginaw, MI. Worked in Milwaukee, Detroit and Chicago. On the Saginaw diocese's list by 8/9/2019. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Gary Schulte

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed without privileges from assignment at St. Sylvester's in Warren 10/29/2011 after allegations of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old boy in 1991. Schulte was working at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Madison Heights at the time of the alleged abuse. The archdiocese's review board found that the allegations had enough validity to warrant restrictions. No criminal charges to be filed due to the statute of limitations. Included on theAarchdiocese's list 6/10/2019. Permanently removed from public ministry.

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Fr. Wendelin Shafer

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 10/9/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

"Leslie." Worked as a missioner in Central America for 52 years. Joined the Central American Vice Province. Retired and returned to Wisconsin. Died 10/09/2005. Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Shafer's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him.

Assignments:

Capucin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Gerald Shirilla

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 06/16/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed in 1973 from a seminary assignment after unwanted sexual contact with another seminarian; underwent psychiatric evaluation then assigned to a parish. Accused of abuse of at least seven youths 1972-1981. Would invite boys to the rectory, have them strip to their underwear and give them massages. Placed on leave by the Detroit Archdiocese in 1993; accused in a 10/1993 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 9-16. Sent to treatment. Took a secular job in Washington D.C. Assigned in the Diocese of Gaylord as a parish pastor 8/1/2001 until placed on leave 3/18/2002. Died in 6/2004. Named in several civil suits. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019, which noted that he had been removed from public ministry. Included in the MI Attorney General's 1/8/2024 Gaylord report.

Fr. Jason E. Sigler

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Canada. In Detroit and Lansing dioceses from 1968. Sent to Paracletes in NM for treatment multiple times in the 1960s-1970s; worked in NM parishes; abused again. As of 2017 accused of abusing 57 children, named in lawsuits by 45. In NM 17 men settled for $13M in 1993. Pleaded guilty in 1983 to abuse of a child; got probation and counseling. Laicized in 1999. Many new allegations in MI in 2002. Arrested and convicted twice in MI in 2003. Sentenced to 7-15 years. Included in new civil suits. Released in 5/2012 from jail and 11/2013 from probation. Living in Albuquerque NM in 2014; said in 8/2014 to be living with his wife in Taylor Ranch. On NM sex offender registry. Named in at least one new civil suit filed in 8/2014. Another suit filed in 5/2016 claims alleged abuse of a 10- or 11-year-old Fort Sumner NM altar boy in 1974. Suit filed in 7/2017 claims abuse of boy in a Las Vegas NM parish the late 1970s for 2 years. On Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/2017. On the Lansing diocese's list 9/27/2019. On Detroit's list 6/10/2019. Still living in Albuquerque as of 5/2023.

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Fr. Joseph Sito

Ordained: 1962
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 01/4/2016
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Resigned in 1993 after a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor in the 1960s. Victim told the Archdiocese in 1985, but no action. Told them again in 1993 and Sito "retired." Banned from public ministry after treatment at two facilities. Criminally charged in 1999 with molesting a 17-year-old youth. Sito pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and paid a fine. Would still say mass on occasion. Laicization announced 1/12/2004. Died 1/4/2016, age 80, in a car crash outside of Detroit. Included on the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Joseph Smetana

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Spent 31 years as a priest in Nicaragua. Identified in the 6/18/2013 "Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph" as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Smetana's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Removed from public ministry, living under supervision. Included on the La Crosse diocese's list 1/18/2020, where he worked at some point at St. Henry in Eau Galle. Permanently removed from ministry.

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Gerald F. Smola

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Died: 05/31/2001
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province on its list 12/17/2018. Joined the order in 1938. A single allegation was received after his death, of abuse occurring while assigned to University of Detroit Jesuit High School in the 1950s. Smola was dismissed 11/14/1969. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Jesuits Midwest Province Assignment Record 12.21.18

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Fr. Robert Spader

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 09.19.21

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Br. Francis Mary Sparacino

Order: OFM Cap
Status: Accused

Died: 01/19/2015
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a current friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Sparacino's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Served most of career as tailor for the Province of St. Joseph. Living in 8/2013 under supervision in a nursing home. Died 1/19/2015. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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Fr. Kenneth Stewart

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a former friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. Stewart's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. The audit reported that he had been removed from ministry and placed under supervision. He left the Order and was laicized at some point. On the Saginaw diocese's list by 8/9/2019, where he was assigned 1973-1974. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Timothy J. Szott

Ordained: 1973
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Placed on leave in 2/2003 after a church volunteer found child abuse images on his computer. Arraigned in 6/2003; posted bail before returning to treatment at St. Luke's. Sentenced in 9/2003 to 18 months probation after pleading no contest to possession of child pornography. Permanently removed from ministry in 2005. Sued in 4/2008 for abuse of a youth in 1999. His victim had just turned 18. Other complaints too old to prosecute. Died in 8/2008 in AZ. Sued again in 11/2008. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Jan (John)Tyminski

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 09/29/1984
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Ordained in Poland. Arrived in the U.S. in 1950. Retired in 1976. Died in 1984. Named publicly by the Archdiocese as accused in 5/2019. The Archdiocese said it received an allegation over ten years prior, after Tyminski's death. A second victim came forward in early 2019. The Review Board deemed the allegations credible. Included on the Archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Peter J. Van der Linden

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 02/7/2007
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Publicly named as accused by the Archdiocese in a press release in 10/2002. Had been removed in 1993 after a "serious and substantive allegation of sexual misconduct dating back to the early years of his ministry." On medical leave of absence since 1991 but had begun working part time at Cardinal Mooney High School, Marine City, in 1993. Permanently removed from ministry in 5/2005. Died in 2/2007.

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Fr. Lawrence M. Ventline

Ordained: 1976
Status: Ministry restricted by diocese

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

In 2016, an allegation of abuse by Ventline was brought to the Archdiocese of Detroit, which referred the complaint to the Oakland County prosecutor, conducted a canonical review, and restricted Ventline from public ministry. On 5/24/2019 Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced that Ventline 'is facing an administrative complaint and his license as a professional educationally limited counselor has been summarily suspended by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).' The Administrative Complaint alleged that Ventline had 'sexually assaulted' an 11-year-old boy three times in the church sacristy in 1989-1990. At the time, Ventline was pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Lake Orion MI. Ventline denied the allegations, saying he was the victim, and stated that 'a lawsuit will be filed' against the AG. On 6/10/2019, Ventline was included on the list of Clergy Credibly Accused of Abuse published by the Detroit archdiocese, which noted that he was restricted from public ministry and stated that he 'is prohibited from representing himself as a priest, wearing clerical attire, exercising any form of church ministry.' His license was revoked on 9/6/2019, after 'Ventline failed to file a formal response to the complaint,' and he was fined $5,000. On 9/30/2019, a news report stated that Ventline had been charged with indecent exposure in Bad Axe MI in early summer 2019. On 1/23/2020, Ventline pleaded no contest to the charge, which does not constitute an admission of guilt. Judge reportedly relied on court documents to enter a conviction on the record and sentenced Ventline to ten days in jail. Ventline stated that he completed nine days of community service instead. On 10/5/2020 the Michigan AG summarized the Ventline case in her second year update: 'Ventline faced three separate reports of sexual abuse of a minor. The statute of limitations expired on each report of abuse but LARA was able to remove the professional counseling license of Ventline to ensure that he would not be able to legally counsel children.' Ventline states that he had retired from counseling before the Administrative Complaint was filed on 5/15/2019.

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Fr. Gerald John Vesnaugh

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Forced from the priesthood in 1975 after molesting children. Conviction in 1979 with suspended sentence and two years probation. Law license suspended in 1980 and revoked in 1982. Charged again in 1981 with three counts of sexual assault. Served 2 1/2 years of a 5- to 15-year sentence. Released from prison. Moved to OK in 1996; offended and was arrested. Fled to Canada. Abused two boys and was arrested. Sentenced to three years prison in 1996. Included on the Detroit archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Aloysius Volskis

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1985
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

From the Diocese of Telsiai, Lithuania. Accused in a 3/2021 lawsuit of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy in 2010 at Bishop Kelley Catholic School in Lapeer, where the boy was a second-grader. The school was affiliated with Immaculate Conception Parish. Volskis allegedly molested and raped the boy after giving him pills that semi-sedated him during a "spiritual formation" session in the teacher's lounge. Volskis ceased active ministry in the parish in 2011 after he was accused of the sexual assault of another parishioner. He returned to Europe in 2013. Per the lawsuit, church officials sheltered the priest in the church rectory, then helped him leave the country. The boy came forward to the archdiocese in around 2018.

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Fr. Harold A. Walsh

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Ordained in Ireland for the Redemptorists. Worked in Davenport, Detroit, Chicago and St. Paul. A woman told Detroit in 1994 (and in 2002 and 2011) that he had abused her in the mid-1960s when she was 15 and he was assigned Holy Redeemer parish. Walsh said he had proved he was still living in a monastery in Ireland at the time. Worked in St. Paul for many years. Accused of abusing a boy there; Walsh denied the allegation. The woman received a settlement in 1996. Walsh left active ministry in 2005. Laicized 8/12/2012. Taught sex education in St. Paul area until 1/31/2014. Name on the St. Paul and Minneapolis revised list 2/17/2014.

Fr. David F. West

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Died: 04/23/2004
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

The Archdiocese announced in 12/2015 that there was a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a male minor in the 1970s by West, who died in 2004 at age 65. Per the announcement West served in about 20 parishes. Included on the Archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Ronald R. Williams

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Died: 07/6/2010
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused in 6/2002 of getting a male minor drunk and attempting to perform oral sex on the boy. Williams was suspended and, investigative files reveal, two other men then came forward to the prosecutor. One alleged similar abuse in 1979 at age 16. The other alleged Williams fondled his bottom at age 17 in 1984. No charges filed due to the statute of limitations. Permanently barred by the Vatican from active ministry per 4/20/2007 announcement. Died 7/6/2010. On the archdiocese's 6/10/2019 list of credibly accused.

Assignments:

Archdiocese of Detroit Press Release 9.08.02

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Fr. Robert Witkowski

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Died: 05/10/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Retired in 2013. Restricted from public ministry in 10/2018 due to credible allegations that he sexually abused minors early in his career. In a lawsuit filed in NJ in 12/2019 a man claimed that Witkowski, along with Rev. Thomas Ganley, abused him and another boy at St. Cecila's in Iselin, NJ in the early 1990s. Witkowski died 5/10/2021.

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Detroit News 10.10.18

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Fr. James C. Wolf

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Accused in a civil suit along with Revs. Jim Buser and Gale Leifeld of molesting a student in the 1970s at a Capuchin run high school and after graduation. The plaintiff was a counselor for men abused by clergy and claimed his therapy in 1992 revealed flashbacks. Case tried in 1995. Jury decided it was not filed within the statute of limitations. Two of the priests admitted abusing other boys but not the plaintiff in this case. Included on the Capuchin Friars' list of those with substantiated allegations against them 8/19/2021, which notes, "Retired/Restrict in Ministry" since 2005. Included in the MI A.G.'s 10/2022 report; assigned 1963-1976 in the Marquette diocese. In 2008 a man reported to the Marquette diocese that Wolf sexually abused him over two years in the 1970s when he was ages 11-12. In 2011 a man alleged abuse by Wolf when he was 20 in 1971-1972.

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Fr. James R. Wysocki

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Placed on leave in 2003 after the archdiocese reviewed an old allegation against Wysocki of sexual misconduct involving a minor. When the allegation was first raised, officials didn't have enough info to proceed. It was later deemed "substantive." Allegation was at least 15 years old and incident is said to have occurred just after Wysocki's 1967 ordination. A second allegation of abuse in the early 1970s of teenage youth was made in 2004. Vatican ordered church trial. Permanently barred from public ministry in 2007.

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Fr. Robert Wyzgoski

Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Died: 12/30/2006
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Removed in 2002; "retired." Accused of abuse of teenage girls in the 1960s. Parents were complaining of his behavior as early as 1973. Named in a civil suit in 2004. In 2005 the Vatican upheld Cardinal Maida's decision to permanently remove Wyzgoski from pastoral duties. Died 12/30/2006. Included on the archdiocese's list of credibly accused 6/10/2019.

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Fr. Hilary Zach

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 03/22/1997
Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Identified in the 6/18/2013 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexual abuse of minors. Zach's name is included on this list without any additional information on claims against him. Spent several years at St. Lawrence Seminary as teacher and novice master, then became a hospital chaplain. Died 3/22/1997.

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Capuchin Friars St. Joseph Province List 08.19.21

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