Diocese of Lansing MI

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Terry McKiernan February 26, 2021

41 Accused in This Diocese

    Fr. James B. Bettendorf

    Ordained: 1959
    Status: Accused

    Died: 07/25/2012
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    In 12/2017 a woman reported to Bishop Boyea that Bettendorf sexually abused abused her sister in the 1950s, when the sister was a student at St. Michael High School in Flint MI. The woman said that her sister disappeared after high school for many years; she found her with the help of a private detective when their mother was ill. The sister confided that during high school she told their mother of the abuse, and the mother - who was a parish employee and "worshipped" the priests - didn't believe her and said if it did happen it was because she came onto the priest. The sister left after their dad died, with whom she was very close. She said Bettendorf stalked her while she was in college. In 12/2017 the alleged victim was terminally ill. She died in 2018. Bettendorf died in 2012.

    Fr. John Andrew Blasko

    Ordained: 1933
    Status: Accused

    Died: 01/29/1960
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Per the MI Attorney General's 12.16.2024 Diocese of Lansing report, in 9/2000 a man reported to the Diocese that Blasko sexually abused him when he was age 17 in the early 1960s. The man said the abuse occurred at Blasko's cabin, that five other youths were with them, and that they "got nude and drank." While the boys were drunk in the river Blasko allegedly shot a BB gun at them. He confronted Blasko at the rectory a few days later, and Blasko is said to have told him that the real problem was the alcohol, and "never get drunk because you'll do the same thing." The man said that Blasko helped him get into a Wauwasee seminary. The man again contacted the Diocese in 2012, alleging the abuse at the camp by Blasko occurred while he was at Holy Redeemer Parish in Flint in 1957 and that Fr. Pat Atkins (a Crosier priest) abused him at the seminary at age 21 in 1961. He told his parents, who told a social worker who referred him to a psychologist and next a psychiatrist. None of them believed him and he was subjected to shock and hydro treatments, which led to cognitive deficits. The man died in July 2014, having been waiting for Bishop Earl Boyea's availability to meet with him, as promised by the Diocese. The Diocese paid his funeral expenses.

    Fr. Alphonse Boardway

    Order: OFM
    Ordained: 1967
    Status: Settled

    Died: 09/23/1997
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    In 2002 a man alleged publicly that he was raped by Boardway at age 16 in 1968. Boardway was close friends with the boy's parents and the alleged abuse occurred when Boardway slept over at their house, in the boy's bed. Boardway is said to have gotten the boy drunk prior to raping him. He said he told his parents immediately and they told him to "shut up and not talk about it." He said he told the Franciscans in 1977, and "kept getting stalled"; in 1980 they sent him $500. 1985 they they sent him $650. He contacted them again in 1988, with little response. In 1992 he contacted the Diocese of Lansing and was referred to a diocesan lawyer, who said the statute of limitations had expired so nothing could be done. The Order said there was no record of the man's contact with the lawyer. Boardway was sent by his Order in the early 1990s to treatment. His accuser settled with the Order in 1994 for $107.8K. Boardway also worked in TX, IN, IL, WI, NE. and NM. There is at least one other alleged victim. Boardway was murdered in 1997 while living in AZ. Included on the Lubbock diocese's list 1/31/2019; noted to have worked there 1987 until 1989, when he was removed from ministry. Included on the Las Cruces diocese's list 6/24/2019, where he worked in 1989. On Lansing's list 9/27/2019. Included in the MI Attorney General's Diocese of Lansing Report in 12/2024.

    Fr. Francis Gerald Boyer

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1952
    Status: Accused

    Died: 07/18/1973
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    In 9/2003 a man accused Boyer of raping him in 1961 at age 12, when he was an altar boy and helped at weekday mass. Boyer allegedly asked the boy to stay to talk, then raped him. He told his parents who asked him to keep the matter quiet. Per the man, Boyer shot and killed himself in about 1973. The 1974 Official Catholic Directory shows that Boyer was retired when he died 7/18/1973 at age 57. His obituary states that he died "after a long illness." Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/2024 Lansing Diocese report. 

    Fr. Thomas W. Butler

    Ordained: 1982
    Status: Accused

    Died: 05/3/2018
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Accused in 12/2012 by a man of sexually abusing him when he was ages 16-17 from 1978-1980. Butler admitted to a sexual relationship with the accuser when he was an adult, during 1983-1985. Butler was sent at that time to treatment. Bishop Boyea decided that the allegation that the man was sexually abused by Butler as a minor was false. Butler was kept in ministry. He died in 5/2018. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/2024 Diocese of Lansing report.

    Br. Joseph Alfonse Comperchio

    Order: CSC
    Status: Guilty plea

    Died: 06/2/2022
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Reportedly was a Holy Cross Brother at Notre Dame, South Bend IN for one year. Continued to use the name "Brother Joe" as a Catholic school teacher after leaving the order. In 1/2019 the Lansing Diocese received an allegation that Comperchio had sexually abused a 3rd- to 6th-grade boy at St. John the Evangelist School in Jackson MI in 1973-1976. Comperchio's accuser said he saw Comperchio sexually assaulting four other boys while in fifth grade. He said that when he was 21 he reported the abuse to a priest at St. Johns, but no action. In 12/2019 police were told by a man that he was sexually abused by Comperchio in 1977 as a St. John's 6th-grader. He said he believed that Comperchio also sexually abused his friend. The man also told investigators that he confronted Comperchio as an adult in 2000, while on a business trip to Boston, and Comperchio apologized. Comperchio had moved to Boston MA in the late 1970s or early 1980s, after which he relocated to Ft. Meyers, FL; he taught there at a private school. In 2/2020 an investigator interviewed a man the Diocese said may have been a victim; the man acknowledged that he was abused. In 2/2020 a woman told police that Comperchio touched her breast in a St. John's bathroom when she was a young student there. A classmate witness to the incident said he touched her also, all over, when instructing her to do a "banana dance" during class. (He was a drama teacher.) Comperchio was arrested 9/14/2020 in Fort Myers. He admitted to the abuse and was extradited to MI. Pleaded guilty in 6/2021. Sentenced in 8/2021 to 10-20 years in prison and to register as a sex offender. He died 6/2/2022.

    Deacon James E. Corder

    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 2000. Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry 1997-2001, coordinator for youth ministry at Holy Redeemer 2001-2007, pastoral associate for St. Gerard in Lansing 2007-present (2024). In a 1993 affidavit regarding his sexual abuse by Fr. Timothy Crowley 1982-1990, beginning at age 10, a man also alleged attempted sexual abuse by Corder, while Crowley held him down. Bishop Povich did not believe the allegations; Corder and Crowley denied them. In 2007 the Diocese deemed the allegations against Crowley credible; those against Corder were deemed not credible. (Crowley pleaded guilty in 2023 to sexually abusing this accuser.) In 10/2019 testimony related to the charges against Crowley, the accuser reiterated his allegations against Corder. He said he was 17- or 18-years old at the time. Corder was removed from ministry pending an investigation. He again denied the allegation and passed a lie detector test. There were no criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. He was returned to ministry after the Diocese's Review Board determined in 2/2020 that there was no new information that would lead to overturning Bishop Povish's 1993 decision.

    Fr. Kenneth F. Coughlin

    Ordained: 1990
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Removed in 5/2014 from Church of the Holy Family in Grand Blanc MI after allegations he had inappropriately touched the hands and legs of two students. Coughlin denied the allegations. Investigation by MI CPS. Matter turned over to Grand Jury. Went on leave of absence, entered treatment/evaluation at the bishop's request. In 10/2014 the county prosecutor said there was no basis for criminal charges; the Diocese announced that Coughlin would remain on administrative leave. In 11/2023 he is shown on the Diocesan website as pastor of a Clio parish.

    Fr. Timothy M. Crowley

    Ordained: 1976
    Status: Guilty plea

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained in 1976 for the Holy Ghost Fathers. Incardinated in 1982 into the Diocese of Lansing. Accused of sexually abusing an altar boy, age 10, beginning in 1982 and continuing until 1990. Allegedly threatened to kill the boy if he told. Removed from his Lansing parish in 1993. The Diocese settled with the victim in 1993 for $200K. Sent to rehab for two years. Allowed in 1995 to work in Anchorage, AK with full approval of Archbishop Hurley. Removed in 2002 after the Dallas Bishops Conference. Criminal charges considered in 2003 in MI, but not filed. Laicized in 2015. After a MI A.G. investigation, arrested in 5/2018 in Tempe, AZ. Charged with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct. Charges were dropped in 10/2019 due to the statute of limitations. On the Lansing diocese's list 9/27/2019. On the Anchorage archdiocese's list 1/16/2020. Criminal charges were reinstated in 2022 after the MI A.G. filed an appeal. Pleaded guilty in 9/2023. Sentenced in 11/2023 to one year in jail, five years' probation and to register as a sex offender for life. Included in the MI A.G.'s 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report.

    Fr. Vincent Anthony DeLorenzo

    Ordained: 1965
    Status: Guilty plea

    Died: 01/26/2024
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Resigned in 1/2002. Admitted in 3/2002 to inappropriate sexual contact in the late 1970s with an 8-year-old boy, continuing for 5 years. Sent to treatment. D.A. office did not prosecute. In 2/2004 another man alleged abuse at age 5 once in 1987. Reported to the Diocese in 11/2003. No prosecution at the time, due to "unusual circumstances" that required corroboration to prove the case. Possibly working in a secular job in Hollywood, FL as of 1/2012. Eight known accusers as of 5/2019. Criminal charges filed 5/23/2019 related to allegations of sexual abuse over 5 years of a boy in Burton, beginning when the boy was age 5 or 6 in 1995. The boy was a student at Holy Redeemer Parish School in Burton, where DeLorenzo was pastor 1988-2002. Arrested in Marion County FL in 2019, charge with the sexual assault in 1987 of a 5-year-old boy after presiding at a funeral for the boy's family member. Included on the Lansing Diocese's list 9/27/2019. Laicization pending. Pleaded guilty in 4/2023, in exchange for the dropping of the 5/2019 charges of child sexual assault 1995-2000. Sentenced in 6/2023 to five years' probation, the first year in jail, and mandated to register as a sex offender for life. Died 1/26/2024.

    Fr. Patrick W. Egan

    Ordained: 1968
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    From the Diocese of Westminster, England, where he was ordained in 1966. Arrived in the Diocese of Lansing in 1982, where he worked for many years. Egan is the subject of multiple allegations of sexual harassment, sexual abuse and improper sexual contact.  Per the MI Attorney General's Report in 12/2024, the abuse would occur under the guise of boxing, whereby Egan would allegedly have young men and teenagers hit him in the lower stomach, causing his arousal. He also engaged in the tapping of testicles, or "nut drills." An allegation in the early 1990s received by the Diocese was not investigated until the case was reopened in 2003. Egan's alleged victim was age 25 at the time of the incidents. Egan was restricted from ministry in the Lansing diocese and, in 3/2019, his faculties were revoked after additional allegations. Investigators hired by the Diocese in 2019 determined that none of Egan's accusers were minors at the time of the alleged abuse. However, in 7/2003 a man had reported to MI State Police that Egan sexually assaulted him repeatedly in 1987, when he was age 17. No charges, due to the statute of limitations. In 2021 the Diocese received a report from a man alleging sexual abuse by Egan during 2005-2009, when the man was ages 14-18, during boxing club at school. The man did not want to prosecute. The allegation was found credible by the Diocese in 10/2023 and Egan's name was added to its list of credibly accused.

    Fr. Alexander Thomas Fitzgerald

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1942
    Status: Accused

    Died: 07/5/1996
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly by the Diocese 7/13/2020 on its list of those with credible allegations against them. Died 7/5/1996. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, which notes that in 1991 the Diocese received a report that Fitzgerald sexually abused a girl over 6 years from 1966-1972 at her home in Howell, MI.

    Fr. Franklin Dennis Hay

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1928
    Status: Accused

    Died: 07/25/1986
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lansing when it was created in 1937. Retired in 1976, died in 1986. In 12/2006 a man reported to the Diocese that when he was an altar boy in the early 1960s, Hay sexually abused him. The priest allegedly pulled the boy's pants down and fondled him, and on the boy's birthday Hay allegedly poked the boy's bottom with a needle. The man said that Hay also did this to his brother and other altar boys. The Diocesan Review Board determined that there wasn't enough evidence and that they would not investigate further because Hay had died over 25 years prior. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/2024 Diocese of Lansing report.

    Fr. Stephen William Thomsen

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1986
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    From Samoa. Ordained in 1986 for the Diocese of Lansing. Assigned to St. Patrick's in Brighton MI, then 1987-1989 to St. Paul's in Owosso MI and Holy Redeemer in Burton MI 1989-1990. According to the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, Thomsen sexually abused multiple teenage boys in MI. He had a "special club" for boys at St. Paul's and gave them each a special patch for being in the club. He allegedly provided boys with alcohol and a drink made with Kava that would make them numb. He let the boys drive his car. The activities took place in the parish rectory. He would have boys sleep in bed with him. One of the boys found a book under Thomsen's mattress called "Aussie Boys - The True Homosexual Experience." Thomsen returned to Samoa in 6/1990 on leave of absence. He was laicized in 4/2020 and in 2024 is said to be living in Waipahu, Hawaii.

    Fr. William Thomas

    Ordained: 1978
    Status: Accused

    Died: 07/23/2007
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained in 1978 at age 40 for the Diocese of Lansing. Had previously been a high school teacher. Appointed in 1984 to the position of vice charge of the Holy See at the Notre Dame Jerusalem Center in Jerusalem, meant to be a five-year commitment. Appointed in 7/1986 by Bishop Povish as diocesan representative to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal; was as at the time a Lansing Catholic Central faculty member. Moved to the Diocese of Wurzburg in Germany in 1989, where he was incardinated. Returned to Lansing in 2004 and was re-incardinated. In 2005 an employee of Holy Spirit Parish in Hamburg MI, where Thomas was pastor, discovered child abuse images on a rectory computer, with multiple related websites listed and evidence of substantial time spent on the sites. One of the websites allegedly showed "boys being violated by men for the first time." Thomas was placed on leave in 10/2005. He told the bishop that he was looking at the images for "research." In 11/2005 the bishop sent a "Graviora Delicta" (Grave Offenses) to the Vatican's CDF. Thomas moved to his cottage in the Diocese of Gaylord. Police found in their investigation that the computer's hard drive had been "cleansed." There was no criminal prosecution. Separately, a woman expressed concern to the Diocese that her 16-year-old son was being groomed by Thomas; the boy had keys to the rectory where he spent some nights and was given gifts and school tuition by Thomas. Thomas remained on leave of absence and still held the title of pastor of Holy Spirit when he died of Legionnaire's disease 7/23/2007, during a trip to Germany. His congregation was never informed as to the reason he was on leave.

    Fr. Robert R. Gerl

    Ordained: 1979
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    In 2020 a man reported to the Diocese that Gerl sexually abused him at age 14 in 1985 at St. Gerard Parish in Lansing MI. The alleged victim said that, with his mother's permission, he spent a night in the rectory, having been invited by Gerl. He said that Gerl gave him something to drink after which he felt paralyzed. He remembered, among other things, being naked in the bathtub with Gerl and another man, and waking up the next morning naked. He said Gerl told him not to tell his mother. Gerl had been arrested in 1977 for solicitation in a public park; he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. He was a seminarian in Milwaukee at the time. When the Milwaukee archdiocese refused his ordination, he was accepted into the Diocese of Lansing, where he was ordained in 1979. Gerl was again arrested, in 1985, for solicitation at a highway rest stop. He pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct. Placed on leave, sent to the House of Affirmation in Whitinsville MA for treatment. He was released to the Diocese of Kalamazoo, assigned as chaplain to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Nazareth MI and was allowed a position at Nazareth College. When the college closed in 1991 he transferred to St. Catharine College in St. Catharine KY, Archdiocese of Louisville. Gerl was investigated in 1995 for sexual harrassment and intimidation at St. Catharine's. He resigned with the agreement that the College would drop its investigation. In 1997 Gerl was assigned to St. Thomas More Student Parish in the Kalamazoo diocese and worked part-time at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids. There were indications that Gerl abused students at St. Thomas More, an accuser saying in 2002 "He used lies, and false information to manipulate and abuse.... ." "He is a very sick man with sadistic fetishes." Gerl retired in 2016. His faculties in the Lansing diocese were removed in 10/2018 due to a credible allegation of sexual assault of an adult male decades prior. He had been a member of the Diocesan Tribunal since 2014.

    Br. Jeffrey Gregory

    Donate Photo
    Order: FSC
    Status: Settled

    Died: 11/20/2004
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Also known as Br. Jeffrey Berta or Br. Raymond Charles Berta. Made perpetual vows in 1965. Taught in MO, IL, MI. Moved to CA in 1978. Longtime teacher at St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA. Accused in 1994 of sexually abusing a male student at Msgr. Gabriels High School in Lansing MI in 1964 and 1965. The alleged victim settled with the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1995 for $10K in psychiatric care. The Lansing diocese was not involved in the settlement. The man contacted the Diocese again in 6/2002, repeating the previous allegation and adding that Fr. James Sullivan (later bishop of Fargo ND) also sexually abused him when he was 16-17 years old in 1966 or 1967. (Sullivan is the subject of another allegation that emerged and was deemed credible after his death in 2006). In 2002 Gregory was living in a CA nursing home. Police were notified in 2002 but no charges were filed, due to the statute of limitations. Gregory died 11/20/2004 at the order's retirement facility in Napa CA.

    Fr. Paul James Guoan

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1987
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Multiple allegations. Removed from ministry 3/11/2002. Sent for a psychological evaluation and treatment. Laicized 6/26/2015. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Lansing report. Allegation to the Diocese in 8/1993 that Guoan had recently tried to pull a 17-year-old  boy's swim trunks off at Guardian Angel Camp in Holly MI. Sent in 1994 to addiction treatment in AZ and in 1994 to another. Gouan's personnel file reveals a note in 12/1992 referring to an allegation of sexual abuse in 1991 of a young seminarian. Accused in a lawsuit in 11/2023 of sexually abusing a boy 1987-1993, beginning when the boy was in 6th grade. The alleged victim reported the abuse to the Diocese in 12/2010. In 2018 another man alleged sexual abuse by Guoan in 1982, at age 16. In 2020 a man reported that Guoan sexually abused him at age 10 in 1992 or 1993 at St. Charles & Helena Parish in Clio MI. In 6/2022 another man alleged abuse, as a 5th grade altar boy 1990-1991 at St. Gerard's in Lansing.

    Fr. David W. Harvey

    Ordained: 1968
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Became a Lansing diocese priest in 1971 when diocesan boundaries changed. Retired in 2013. Accused in 2016 of sexually abusing a boy, age 9, on one occasion in 1978 in Fenton MI. His accuser said that when he arrived to attend mass at St. John's with his family, Harvey asked him if he wanted to be an altar boy. The priest allegedly took the boy to "his chambers," had him try on altar boy garb and told him to leave his pants off. Harvey is then said to have pulled down the boy's underpants and sucked on his penis. Harvey denied the allegation. Police and the Diocese investigated - the accuser chose not to meet with the Diocesan investigator. The Review Board determined that there was insufficient information to make a determination as to the allegation's credibility.

    Fr. Michael Robert Kelly

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1976
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Left active ministry 12/1/1983. Laicized 2/9/1992. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Lansing diocese report. Per the report, in 8/1994 a woman reported to the Diocese that Kelly sexually abused her when she was 14 or 15 in 1978 and Kelly was assigned to St. Michael's in Flint MI. Notes in Kelly's personnel file indicate that he was "involved with a senior high school student" and that he had sex with a woman at the University of MI. The file also contains a letter in which Kelly admitted to fondling the girl.

    Fr. Michael W. Kuchar

    Donate Photo
    Ordained: 1980
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Retired to senior priest status in 6/2018. According to the MI Attorney General's Diocese of Lansing Report in 12/2024, there were several complaints over the years of Kuchar behaving in unwanted and sexually inappropriate ways toward adults, male and female. In 8/2018 someone reported to Bishop Boya that their friend's adult son told them he had been molested by Kuchar as a young boy. The alleged victim did not want to come forward. In 9/2018 a priest told the bishop that he was told that a man recently disclosed abuse by Kuchar as a child. This may or may not have been the same young man as in the first case. Also in 9/2018 the Diocesan Victims Assistant Coordinator interviewed the mother of an alleged victim, who said her son told her and her husband in 2009 that Kuchar raped him in 1995 or 1996 at age 13 or 14. The mother said she told a Fr. Klein about it but nothing was done because her son would not come forward. The mother said a friend of hers suspected that Kuchar had also sexually abused her son. In an 11/2018 interview, the alleged victim told the A.G.'s investigator that Kuchar sexually assaulted him twice during his 8th grade year at St. Therese. There was no prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Per the Diocesan Review Board in 7/2020 there was insufficient evidence to make a determination as to the verity of the allegation.

    Br. Donald Kuchenmeister

    Order: CSC
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Per the Michigan Attorney General's 12/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, in 11/2008 a man told the Diocese that he was sexually abused as a child by Kuchenmeister when he was a resident of Boysville in Clinton MI in 1971. The man said that Kuchenmeister fondled him and also sexually abused other boys. There was no prosecution due to the statute of limitations. In 2016 Kuchenmeister was awarded the Cross of St. James Award, presented by the Archbishop of Santiago, for his three decades of contribution to the Archdiocese and social work. Kuchenmeister arrived in Chile in 1983 to help with his order's children's home in Talagante. He later helped found a children's home in Penalolen, and was its director for 15 years. In 2021 Kuchenmeister remained active in Santiago, Chile, where he was honored on the 60th anniversary of his final vows.

    Deacon Howard F. Lake

    Ordained: 1981
    Status: Accused

    Died: 02/8/1996
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the permanent diaconate in 1981. Per the 12/2024 MI Attorney General's Lansing diocese report, Lake was accused in 7/1992 of sexually abusing a girl, age 15 or 16, five or six years before his ordination. His accuser said he fondled her above the waist and kissed her, at a retreat at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. Lake was said to have been "about the same age as [the girl's] father." The previous year, in 1991, a woman alleged that Lake sexually harassed and slandered her, pressuring her to have sex with him. She was employed at his parish and he was her supervisor. Lake also allegedly embezzled money from the parish. In 2/1992 Lake agreed to "put on hold [his] status as a permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Lansing." Lake died in 1996. It appears he continued ministry; per his obituary, Lake was given the Diocese's Respect Life Award.

    Fr. James William Lee, Jr.

    Ordained: 1948
    Status: Settled

    Died: 01/25/1992
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Multiple allegations. Retired in 1984. Died 1/25/1992. According to the MI Attorney General's Diocese of Lansing Report there are three known allegations against Lee. In 4/1993 the Diocese received a report that Lee sexually abused a 13-year-old boy at the priest's vacation cabin in Cadillac MI. (Timeframe unclear - likely a number of years prior.) The alleged victim received a settlement of $60K from the Diocese in 1994. In 6/2002 a man told the Diocese that Lee sexually abused his son when the boy was age 8. In 9/2012 a man alleged that Lake sexually abused him at age 13 or 14 at St. Joseph Parish in Ypsilanti multiple times. The man said Lake may also have abused another boy.

    Fr. Marian John Lesniak

    Ordained: 1950
    Status: Accused

    Died: 10/9/2011
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Pastor of St. Joseph's in Jackson for 39 years. Per the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, in 1982 Bishop Povish was told that three boys saw Lesniak get into the priest's car in a parking lot and that she "got down on the seat or floor" as he drove away. They allegedly saw him drop her off 90 minutes later. Povish said he didn't believe it. In 2000 a woman alleged that she was sexually abused by Lesniak 1967-1973, beginning when she was age 12 and a student at St. Joseph School. She received a $50K settlement in 11/2000. In 2002 the woman expressed concern to the Diocese because Lesniak was still in public ministry. As a result, Lesniak was made to retire on 10/2/2002. In 2/2007 Lesniak was prohibited from public ministry. Lesniak's alleged victim again contacted the Diocese in early 2008, concerned about Lesniak's continuing to act as a priest. Bishop Mengeling reiterated to Lesniak that he was prohibited from public ministry, and added that he was not to have any contact with members of St. Joseph Parish or the woman's family, and he was not to go to Jackson. In 2/2009 the woman told the Diocese Lesniak was violating conditions established the previous year. Lesniak died 10/9/2011.

    Fr. Richard Lobert

    Ordained: 1975
    Status: Sued

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1975. Worked in, but was never incardinated into, the Diocese of Lansing 1995-1991. Assigned as chaplain at Father Gabriel High School in Ann Arbor MI and assisted in parishes. Placed on leave of absence in 12/2020 due to an allegation being investigated by the MI Attorney General. The Baltimore Archdiocese removed his faculties in 1/2021. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 4/2021 of sexually abusing a boy in 1999 at W.J. Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake. The MI statute of limitations was possibly prohibitive; in 12/2023 it was announced that the case was to be heard by the MI Supreme Court. The man was also attempting to sue the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Lobert. Per the 12/16/2024 MI Attorney General's Lansing Report, in 2009 the Baltimore Archdiocese received an allegation that Lobert had an 8th grade boy at St. Mary's Parish in Cumberland MD sit in his lap on multiple occasions. Lobert denied that there was abuse. Civil authorities found no evidence of inappropriate behavior. In 1/2019 the Diocese of Lansing received an email from someone identifying themselves as a woman alleging that, after confession, Lobert had grabbed her and tried to kiss her and rub her and said he loved her and wanted sex. The person did not reply when the Diocese tried to contact them. Several days later Bishop Boyea received another email from a someone also saying they were a woman and that when she was age 16, Lobert was sexually inappropriate toward her in the confessional. Again the Diocese was unable to contact the sender. The Attorney General determined that both emails were from the same person, and discovered that the sender was a 16-year-old boy and student at Father Gabriel Richard High School. The boy was expelled. In 12/2020 the boy's mother told the Attorney General's tip line that Lobert had sexually abused her son for years. The Attorney General's office interviewed the boy who described physical and sexual abuse toward him by Lobert. Lobert denied the allegations. It was determined that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. In 11/2020 the Attorney General's office received an allegation that Lobert sexually abused a boy at Maxey Boys Training school, where the boy resided 1998-2001, beginning when he was 15. He said the abuse occurred on three occasions. There were no criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. The matter was sent to the Vatican.

    Fr. Ronald J. Loeher

    Ordained: 1966
    Status: Arrested

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report. Arrested in 2/1969 for soliciting a 16-year-old boy in Flint MI for "immoral purposes." A judge, Peter Marutiak, prevented formal charges and informed Bishop Zaleski that investigators discovered that Loehner had a suitcase with pornographic material and a polaroid camera with dozens of photos of "young males involved in what apparently were previous escapades." The judge worked with the bishop to keep the situation secret to avoid scandal and recommended Loeher be removed from the community and assigned elsewhere with supervision. Loeher was moved in 4/1969 from a parish in Owosso to one in Michigan Center. He was again "picked up" for "similar circumstances." Sent in 8/1969 to treatment at Alexian Brothers' Hospital in St. Louis MO. Judge Marutiak told a doctor at the hospital that "the matter has been adequately buried." Left the priesthood 1/1/1970. In 10/1973 Loeher requested laicization to marry.

    Fr. Shaun D. Lowery

    Ordained: 2009
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen in Brighton Township when placed on leave in 3/2021 pending an investigation by the MI Attorney General. In 5/2021 the Diocese announced that the A.G. decided not to file charges; the A.G.'s office stated "no criminal charges is not equivalent to exoneration." The Diocese announced in 10/2022 that its internal investigation found that the allegations were credible. Lowery had admitted to a sexual encounter with a boy, age 16, that he met via the app Grindr, but said he was unaware that the boy was underage. Lowery requested laicization.

    Fr. John Edward Martin

    Ordained: 1918
    Status: Accused

    Died: 11/9/1968
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the Detroit archdiocese in 1918, became a priest of the Diocese of Lansing when it was created in 1937. In 6/2010 two men separately reported to the Diocese that Martin sexually abused them as boys. Notices were placed in two church bulletins; multiple accusers came forward. Most alleged abuse in the 1950s-early 1960s, one in the 1940s. Martin's victims were ages 10-17. One man told the Diocese in 8/2010 that in the late 1950s he told then-Bishop Albers of his and another boy's abuse by Martin and that Albers made the boys "swear on the Bible that they would never speak of it again." Martin allegedly would sexually abuse boys, then hear their confessions and forgive them. Martin was pastor of St. Mary's in Morrice, then St. Isidore's in Laingsburg 1941-1966. He retired in 1966 when the church burned down, and died in 1968. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused clerics 9/27/2019. On the Detroit archdiocese's list 6/10/2019, which notes that he had been removed from public ministry. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report.

    Fr. Joseph McHugh

    Order: CSSp
    Ordained: 1958
    Status: Accused

    Died: 09/25/2007
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly as credibly accused by the Lansing diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Member of the Spiritans' (Holy Ghost Fathers) Irish Province. Worked in Lansing 1974-1976. Multiple allegations. Died 9/25/2007. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, which reveals allegations by three different women of sexual abuse as children by McHugh. One reported in 2011 that McHugh abused her at age 11 or 12 at St. Gerard Parish, grabbing her, rubbing against her, and forcing her to perform oral sex on him. The woman received a $35K settlement. In 10/2018 a woman alleged that McHugh abused her, including rape, 1975-1978, beginning when she was age 16. She said the abuse occurred at St. Gerard's, at St. Mary Cathedral, in her home, at a cottage, and in a car. In 10/2019 a woman told the Diocese that McHugh touched and kissed her 1968-1973, when she was ages 13-18.

    Fr. James M. Novak

    Ordained: 1957
    Status: Accused

    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Retired to senior priest status in 6/1997. Per a news article 8/24/2010, Novak was accused of abuse and permanently removed from ministry; no dates given. Included on the Lansing diocese's list of credibly accused 9/27/2019. Multiple allegations. Noted to have been removed from ministry 11/25/2002. Laicized 5/14/2021. Included in the 12/16/2024 MI Attorney General Diocese of Lansing Report which reveals that multiple boys, as young as in third grade through age 18, were sexually abused by Novak. Novak's modus operandi was often to say he was going to hypnotize his victims (which he was not trained to do), then violate them while they were "hypnotized." The Diocese long knew of his behavior, yet kept him in ministry. Some alleged victims reported having been raped. Novak also is alleged to have similarly abused young adult men.

    Fr. Robert Onofrey

    Order: CPPS
    Ordained: 1963
    Status: Accused

    Died: 04/28/2009
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    According to the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, in 5/2002 a man told the Diocese that he was sexually abused at age 16-17 in 1974 by Onofrey, during a camping trip out west. The man said that on one of the nights the two of them drank beer and then he went to sleep; a few hours later he woke up to Onofrey performing fellatio on him. He said he told Onofrey to stop, which he did. Onofrey's alleged victim said that he worried that the priest may have also sexually abused other boys. Onofrey died in 2009.

    Fr. John Donald Slowey

    Ordained: 1940
    Status: Settled

    Died: 01/13/1983
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Monsignor. First director of Catholic Social Services in Lansing; director of St. Vincent Children's Home; director of the Cuban Refugee Program; founder of MI Big Brothers, Inc.; parish priest. Died 1/13/1983. On 8/24/2010 an attorney announced that he had settled a claim of sexual abuse of a boy against Slowey and the Diocese for $225K. The abuse allegedly took place when plaintiff was age 5-6 and lived at St. Vincent Children's Home in the mid-1950s. The Diocese said this was the only allegation against Slowey. It also said it could not verify the allegations but settled to cover "healing expenses." In 11/2011 another man told the Diocese Slowey sexually abused him multiple times when he was about age 4 at St. Vincent Home. He said Slowey also abused other children. Slowey's name is included on the Diocese's list of credibly accused 9/27/2019, which notes multiple allegations. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing report.

    Bishop James S. Sullivan

    Ordained: 1955
    Status: Accused

    Died: 06/12/2006
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Auxiliary bishop of Lansing 1972-1985. Bishop of Fargo 1985 until his resignation 3/18/2002 due to Alzheimer's Disease. Accused in 6/2002 of fondling a boy in 1966 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing MI. The same plaintiff settled with the Christian Brothers in 1995 over abuse allegations against Br. Jeffrey Gregory. Sullivan denied the charges. The Diocese said it did not believe the allegations because the man didn't come forward sooner. Sullivan died 6/12/2006. On 7/2/2021 the Diocese of Lansing announced that it had deemed credible allegations against Sullivan that he sexually abused two altar boys, one ages 12-14 and the other ages 11- 12, in the mid-1960s. The abuse took place at Church of the Resurrection in Lansing, where Sullivan was assigned. One of the victims said that Sullivan had sexually abused at least 10 other altar boys. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report.

    Fr. Chester Vincent Tomaszewski

    Ordained: 1959
    Status: Accused

    Died: 10/21/1987
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Went on sick leave 1/15/1987. Died 10/21/1987. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report. In 2008 a man told the Diocese that he was sexually abused by Tomaszewski as an altar boy at St. Mary's in Bronson MI in the late 1960s or early 1970s . The man received a settlement of $205K and the Diocese paid for his counseling.

    Fr. Francis Bartholomew Wahowiak

    Ordained: 1946
    Status: Accused

    Died: 01/29/1978
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Became a priest of the Diocese of Lansing when it was created in 1968. Died in 1/1978. According to the MI Attorney General's 12/16/24 Diocese of Lansing Report, the Diocese received four allegations of the sexual abuse of children by Wahowiak, both boys and girls. All of the allegations were noted to have been received after Wahowiak's death. In 2005 a woman alleged that he sexually abused her from 1974 until his death in 1978, when she was 5-9 years old and he was assigned to St. Mary's in Charlotte MI. She said he told her that if she told anyone her parents might go to hell. She said Wahowiak would invite her to help out in the rectory and that the abuse usually occurred in the rectory bedroom. It allegedly included oral copulation and attempted penetration. She said that he also sexually abused her older sister and two or more other girls. Further, she said that she and her sister told Bishop Povish in about 1994 and that there was no follow-up. Their father said the girls received counseling. In 4/2011 a woman told the Diocese that Wahowiak sexually abused her from the time she was age 8 until she graduated from grade school, when Wahowiak was assigned to Assumption/BVM in Detroit. In 9/2019 the Diocese learned of an allegation that Wahowiak likely sexually abused a boy 1976-1980 at St. Mary's, as well as the boy's friend; the friend reportedly said there was anal penetration. In 3/2022 a woman alleged that Wahowiak fondled her in 7/1974. She said she had no doubt that the priest sexually abused many children 1972-1979 when he was assigned to St. Mary's. The Diocese's Review Board deemed the allegations credible.

    Fr. Jonathan Wayne Wehrle

    Ordained: 1978
    Status: Accused

    Died: 03/31/2020
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    In 2/2019 a man told the Michigan State Police that Wehrle sexually abused him a a 14-year-old high school freshman in 1999. He said that he asked Wehrle one night to come pick him up because he had been drinking and didn't feel well. Further, Wherle took the him to his bedroom and performed fellatio on him (the boy). The alleged victim did not want to prosecute. In 6/2020 another man reported to law enforcement that Wehrle sexually abused him, including sodomy, at age 14 or 15 during sleepovers at Wehrle's house. The man believed that Wehrle spiked the warm milk he (the boy) was having with Xanax. Reportedly Wehrle was a foster parent 1983-2003 and raised 3 adopted sons. In 2017 Wehrle was placed on leave due to charges that he had embezzled over $5M from his parish. He had not yet faced trial at the time of his death in 3/2020.

    Fr. Canon Darius W. Wyszynski

    Ordained: 1958
    Status: Accused

    Died: 02/17/2013
    Diocese: Diocese of Lansing MI

    Ordained for the Assumption BVM Province, WI. Incardinated into the Diocese of Lansing in 1970. Named honorary "canon" in 1987 by a diocese in Poland. Included in the MI Attorney General's 12/16/24 Diocese of Lansing Report, which reveals that in 2002 a man alleged that in 1978, when he was 18 and on a trip with Wyszynski to Mexico, he walked in on Wyszynski in bed with two boys. He said Wyszynski just continued with his "activities" with the boys. The man also said that Wyszynski had previously sexually assaulted him on two occasions while he (the man at age 18) was sleeping. In 5/2007 a man reported to the Diocese that Wyszynski sexually abused him at age 10 in 1967 or 1968. He said his parents had invited the priest, who was new to their parish, to their home. He (the boy) was sick in bed and Wyszynski fondled him in his bedroom under the guise of giving him the Sacrament of the Sick. Wyszynski met with the Diocesan Review Board and denied the allegations. The Review Board wrote "In fairness to Father Wyszynski, a complete exoneration should be issued to him immediately." The Diocese sent the case to the Vatican and restricted Wyszynski's ministry. The outcome is unclear. Wyszynski died 2/17/2013. He was first named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list updated 9/27/2019. 

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Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.