DETROIT, MI CREDIBLY ACCUSED

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Discussing ChildhoodSexualAbuseIs Undeniably Challenging.

We recognize how painful it is to recount the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. Just know that our team of compassionate, caring, trauma-informed legal advocates, dedicated to providing sensitivity care and discretion, is here to help you along the path to healing.

 

Deserve Confidentiality

Our entire trauma-informed team treats every client’s details with the strictest confidence. Though we can never truly understand the pain that survivors have suffered throughout their lives, we will help you learn your rights, and we won’t take any action on your behalf until you are ready. We are committed to protecting your identity and can file your case as John Doe or Jane Doe.

Have Your Case Reviewed

It can take many years for people who were sexually abused as a child to talk about what happened to them. The trauma and betrayal caused by priest abuse often last a lifetime. Many survivors silently bear their pain for years, if not decades. Research indicates that a majority of sexual abuse survivors are unable to discuss their trauma until they are 50 or older. Laws in many States have changed to allow adults sexually abused as children to make a claim. Regardless of the Statute of Limitations for Michigan priest abuse, it is in your best interest to have your case reviewed.

Our Process

Michigan priest abuse survivors, we’re here for you. Our legal professionals are committed advocates licensed in Michigan who understand the weight of opening up about sexual abuse. We will hold your story with the utmost care, aiding you in sharing it safely. Our team is trained to be trauma-informed, and we take the utmost care to respect the confidentiality of every client’s details. We understand that the pain survivors endure is difficult to comprehend, but we are here to help you understand your rights. We will not take any action on your behalf until you feel ready. Our priority is to protect your identity, and we can even file your case under the pseudonym of John Doe or Jane Doe.

You Are Not Alone

Attorney Steve Boyd, our managing partner, began his journey to help survivors by investigating priest sexual abuse as a journalist in the 1990s. He and his team have been the voice for over 700 child sexual abuse survivors. If you are a survivor of priest abuse in Michigan, take an essential step towards healing.

FAQs MichiganPriestAbuse

1
Do I need legal representation if I was sexually abused by a priest in Michigan?
It’s essential to consult with an attorney who is experienced in this area of law. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, inform you of your rights, and help you understand the potential outcomes of legal action. In addition, If you believe you’ve been a victim of sexual assault or any crime, it’s also important to consider seeking support from local victim advocacy groups or mental health professionals who can offer guidance and resources.
2
Can the Catholic Church in Michigan be held liable for abuse committed by priests?
Institutions, including the Catholic Church, can potentially be held liable if it’s proven that they were negligent in their duty to protect individuals from harm or if they covered up abuse.
3
What if I was sexually abused by a priest who is no longer alive?
It does not matter if the predator who sexually abused you is alive. Most cases under the Michigan Child Victim Act will be brought against the institutions covering up the abuse and were complicit in it. For example, a case involving a Roman Catholic priest who sexually abused children decades ago would be against the Diocese or Archdiocese where the abuse took place. This is a case of negligent retention and supervision. Because the diocese or archdiocese had the opportunity to stop the abuse when they first knew about it, but instead, they covered it up. Many clergy abuse cases are being settled before going to trial. The process is complicated, and it’s more complex as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes an experienced attorney to proceed with a claim for damages. Contact Steve Boyd, PC, today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
More FAQs
List of86crediblyaccused in Detroit, Michigan Archdiocese
Fr. Benedict Adams
Assignments:
Sources:

Named in the 6/18/13 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 4/15/02. He worked in Wisconsin for much of his career. On the Saginaw diocese’s list 8/9/19, where he worked 6/26/63-7/29/64. Added to the La Crosse diocese’s list 2/5/20; worked at some point at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon

 
Fr. Roman Ament
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Named publicly as accused by the St. Joseph Province Capuchins on its list in 1/19 of friars with “confirmed allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults.” Ament died in 1984.

Fr. Joseph Baker
Sources:

“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 3/1/23 to 3-15 years in prison.

Fr. Harry S. Benjamin
Sources:

Removed from ministry in 1989 after accusations he abused a 14-year-old boy during overnight pizza and beer parties at the rectory and on trip to Europe. Admitted the abuse in 11/89 resignation letter. Name not released until 5/02. Criminal charges filed in 2002; sentenced after 2003 plea agreement to 1 year prison. Laicized in 1992 but continued to say mass without permission through 2005. On VA Sex Offender Registry as of 7/10.

Fr. Gary D. Berthiaume
Assignments:
Sources:

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
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“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 as a high school student in the 1964-72, continuing into the girl’s college years. Biondo, who denied the accusations, was the girl’s freshman English teacher. She died in 5/20, at age 93.

Fr. Harry S. Benjamin
Sources:

Navy chaplain. Removed from active ministry in 2003 after allegations he abused a male minor in the early years of his priesthood. No criminal charges. Review board found charge to be substantive. Reinstated as active priest in 2/04 after Vatican ruled that, per canon law in place in 1975-76, 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 9/25/07.

Fr. Edmund S. Borycz
Sources:

Placed on leave 7/02. Worked in Detroit and Livonia parishes. Assigned to 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 Vatican in 6/06. Died 1/8/18. Name included on Erie diocese’s list released 4/6/18 of priests and lay employees and volunteers accused of sexually abusing minors. On Detroit archdiocese’s list 6/10/19.

Fr. William B. Brennan
Sources:

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 9/05 announcement. No criminal charges because of statute of limitations. Died 2/5/12.

Fr. Gary Bueche
Sources:

Removed from parish assignment 4/02 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 5/04 civil case. Permanently removed from public ministry. Included on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/19.

Fr. Robert N. Burkholder
Assignments:
Sources:

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) and 1995 (settled). On sick leave per OCD but worked as an Army chaplain in Hawaii from 1982. Extradited 2002; pleaded no contest. Sentenced to 30 days jail And 5 years probation. Permanently removed without privileges in 2005. Named in two suits in Hawaii in 2009 filed by same plaintiff. Died 6/6/06. Included on Detroit archdiocese’s list 6/101/9.

Fr. Thomas J. Cain
Sources:

Died in 1984. The archdiocese announced on its website 10/27/14 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 6/10/19.

Fr. Anthony J. Conti
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Sources:

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 6/06. Died 10/9/16. Included on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/19.

Fr. Arthur Cooney
Assignments:
Sources:

Identified in 6/18/13 Capuchin audit report as a current friar with confirmed reports of 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 8/9/19.

Fr. Augustine Cops
Assignments:
Sources:

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.

Fr. Patrick J. D’Angelo
Sources:

D’Angelo (DeAngelo) included on the archdiocese’s 10/09 Priests and Policy Status Report. It notes that his “situation” was “previously handled under the archdiocesan policy” and that he is deceased. He died 12/8/98. Per the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/19, D’Angelo had been removed from publicly ministry.

Br. Frank Luke Dalton
Assignments:
Sources:

Entered Order in 1955. Worked in British Columbia, Palma HS in Salinas CA 1964-69, 1988-99. 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 1/11/01. A man testified in a MI state hearing on SOL 5/18 that Dalton abused him at Bro 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.

Fr. Patrick J. D’Angelo
Sources:

Privileges permanently revoked 6/02 because of past accusations 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 a restricted ministry. Permanently barred by the Vatican from public ministry in 5/05. Died 1/30/12 at age 63.

Fr. Luis Javier de Alba Campos
Sources:

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.

Fr. Harold Charles Depp
Sources:

Per May 2003 articles, Depp walked away from his parish in the Detroit archdiocese in 1963 and never returned. Placed “on leave.” Never officially left the priesthood. In 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 7/15/03. Included on the Detroit archdiocese’s 6/10/19 list of credibly accused.

Fr. Dennis D. Duggan
Sources:

Removed from parish 3/02 after “credible” allegation of abuse. He denied but admitted alcohol abuse. At least five known complaints of abuse in 1980s and 1990s. Church trial ordered by archdiocese in 2004. Laicization announced 4/20/07. Included on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/19.

Fr. Dennis D. Duggan
Sources:

Accused by a man in a 5/04 lawsuit of molesting him as a boy, ages 10-12, at St. Mary’s in Milford. Suit also said there are numerous other victims. Archdiocese may have know of Lawrence’s behavior in 1967. He retired in 1985 and died in 3/99.

Fr. Jude T. Ellinghausen
Assignments:
Sources:

“Retired” with restricted ministry 6/02 because of old allegations found in his personnel file by County Prosecutor. Allegations too old for criminal charges. After retirement, one male complainant came forward to allege three years of improper touching by Ellinghausen in the 1970s when he was a child. Named in a civil suit. Laicization announced in 2005. Included on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/20.

Fr. Lawrence T. Fares
Sources:

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 1/21, 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 7/19 of the allegations, which had been reported to the police. Added to archdiocese’s list of accused in 1/21.

Fr. Joseph P. Femminineo
Sources:

Assignments included all girls’ Ladywood High School in Livonia, MI in 1985-87. It was announced in 2002 that Femminineo resigned from St. Rita Parish in Holly MI 10/20/96 after old allegations surfaced of sexual misconduct involving minors. In 5/05 the archdiocese announced that the Vatican had permanently barred Femminineo from public ministry. Included on the archdiocese’s list 6/10/19.

Fr. Leonard R. Foisy
Sources:

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, NH, where he also did parish and hospital work. Accused in a 1994 lawsuit of abusing a boy over 4 years in the 1960s in Michigan, when he was administrator of St. John’s Seminary in Plymouth. Placed on sick leave in 1996. Died 4/29/16.

Fr. Egbert Heinlein
Sources:
  • Archdiocese of Detroit List 02.01.23

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

Fr. Leopold Gleissner
Sources:

Identified in 6/18/13 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as current friar with confirmed reports of 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.

Fr. Louis E. Grandpre
Sources:

Retired as pastor of St. Paul of Tarsus in Clinton Township in 2003. Remained in residence as senior priest. Removed from all public ministry 9/13 after review board found accusation of sexual misconduct with a minor in early years of his career to be substantive. Matter reported to County Prosecutor. In 9/2013, SNAP released a 9/22/97 memo from Bishop Harrington regarding a sexual harassment case against Grandpre. Died 2/20/16.

Fr. Rudolph Grosser
Sources:

A/k/a Rudolph. Native of Czechoslovakia. Grew up in WI. Identified in 6/18/13 Report of the Audit and Review of the Files of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph as deceased friar with confirmed reports of 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 New York Province in 1952. Per obit, taught at Mt. Calvary minor seminary in WI in 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 1974 to Milton MA novitiate, then Abington MA friary. Died 5/13/89.

Fr. Robert W. Haener
Sources:

Accused of psychologically and sexually abusing numerous boys at two parishes and two Catholic schools in the 1960s and early 1970s. During investigation at one school in the late 1960s, several unknown priests came to school and questioned about 30 boys. Nothing else done for many years. Removed from parish 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 6/10/19.

Fr. Kent Hajduk
Sources:

Named publicly by the Province of St. John the Baptist Franciscans in 1/21 as having substantiated allegations against him of child sexual abuse. Hajduk left the order and was was laicized. He died 1/24/18. Included on the Archdiocese of Detroit’s list 1/14/21. On the Cincinnati archdiocese’s list 2/14/22.

Fr. Albert Hillebrand
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Named publicly as credibly accused by the Detroit archdiocese on its list 6/10/19. Removed from public ministry. Ordained for the Augustinian Order. Principal mid-1960s through 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.  Died 7/20/99.

Deacon Hurmiz Risko Ishak
Sources:

From Iraq. Deacon for 21 years. Assigned to St. Joseph Chaldean in Troy when arrested in 10/18, alleged to have sexually assaulted a young boy at church 5/17-10//2/18. Suspended.

 
Fr. Thomas J. Johnston
Sources:

A church secretary in the Detroit Archdiocese sued Johnston in 2000 saying her work contract was not renewed because her teenage son 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. Included on the Chicago archdiocese’s list in 10/2022. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.

Fr. Neil Kalina
Sources:

Complaint to archdiocese in 2017 that, when he was pastor of St. Kieran in Utica in the mid-1980s, Kalina plied a 12-year-old boy with alcohol, cocaine and marijuana and fondled him during sleepovers in the rectory. Convicted in 1985 on drug offenses, sentenced in 1986 to 6 months jail and 2 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 5/19 in Littlerock CA, charged with criminal sexual conduct. To be arraigned 2/10/20 on two charges related to alleged incidents involving a teenager in 1984. On Detroit archdiocese’s list 6/10/19. Included on the San Bernardino diocese’s list in 5/21, where he was assigned 1987-1989 to parishes in Redlands and Riverside. Convicted in 6/22. Sentenced on 7/26/22 to 7-15 years in prison, with credit for 215 days served.

Fr. Arthur Michael Karey
Sources:

Monsignor. Worked in Detroit, Ecorse and Orion. Police chaplain. Died in 1993. The archdiocese announced in 6/18 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.

Fr. Kenneth Kaucheck
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Sources:

A woman contacted the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1/09 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 the two had traveled to FL together and told deacon who told pastor. Girl’s father met with pastor; Kaucheck was transferred. After the 2009 events, Kaucheck was placed on leave effective 4/23/09; Review Board determined complaint was substantive. He resigned his positions as pastor of St Mary’s in Royal Oak and St James’ in Ferndale. Not prosecuted because 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 4/17/16. Kaucheck filed suit v SNAP and two newspapers 1/30/17 alleging defamation; he ‘vehemently maintained his innocence’.

Fr. C. Richard Kelly, Jr.
Sources:

Placed on leave 2/04 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 5/04 by man who alleged abuse in third grade. Permanently removed from public ministry in 2005. Included on the archdiocese’s list 6/10/19. Died 1/3/21.

Sr. Theresa Marie Kulwicki
Sources:

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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