Attorney General Releases Report: Fifty-Six Church Leaders in Lansing Diocese Accused of Sexual Abuse

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a report on the investigation into sexual misconduct in the Lansing Diocese. This investigation was initiated in October 2018 when survivors came forward with claims against senior members of the Catholic Church. The ensuing report details fifty-six entries of alleged abuse and accuses 48 priests, three brothers, and four deacons of misconduct.

The allegations against the Diocese of Lansing span decades and go back as far as January 1, 1950. They paint a picture of rampant historical sexual abuse perpetuated by cover-ups, abuses of power, and a culture of silence. However, so far, there have been only three criminal convictions. Unfortunately, due to legal hurdles—such as expired time limits, death, and survivors unwilling to testify—most individuals in Nessel’s report will not be formally charged.

If you are a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in Michigan, here’s what you need to know about reporting this crime and what the experienced attorneys at Sommers Schwartz can do to help you fight for justice.   

Sexual Abuse and Misconduct in Michigan

Michigan law defines sexual assault as any form of unwanted sexual contact and includes both penetration and other forms of unwanted sexual touching. It includes situations where the abused person is intoxicated, legally incapacitated, or not old enough to give consent. These acts involve force, penetration, or exploitation and carry severe legal consequences.

Other forms of sexual misconduct are also punishable. Sexual misconduct is a broader term that applies to any inappropriate sexual behavior and includes acts like:  

• Unwanted physical contact.
• Inappropriate touching.
• Sexual harassment.
• Lewd or suggestive comments.
• Masturbating in front of someone.
• Indecent exposure.
• Showing someone sexual content without their consent.

Sexual misconduct can result in civil penalties, fines, and—depending on the severity of the circumstances—may also include criminal charges.

The Impact of Clergy Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse committed by a religious leader (such as a priest, minister, pastor, rabbi, bishop, or other spiritual advisor) is called clergy sexual abuse. This misconduct is usually committed against a member of the clergy’s congregation and often within the context of religious activity or counseling.

Clergy sexual abuse is one of the most damaging forms of sexual misconduct because the perpetrator is using religious authority to manipulate vulnerable followers, leveraging sacred beliefs, faith, fear, and divine authority to get what they want. This leaves survivors grappling with not only physical trauma but deep emotional wounds that can take a lifetime to heal and can severely hinder the reporting process.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 63% of rapes go unreported in the United States, with only 12% of child sexual abuse ever documented. Guilt, shame, and fear of retribution all play significant roles in this culture of silence. However, even when survivors come forward, many perpetrators will still never face consequences for their crimes.

Empowering Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, many church leaders listed in Nessel’s latest report won’t be charged for their crimes. For some, the statute of limitations has expired. For other survivors, publicly testifying is too much to bear. In other cases, the accused perpetrator died and cannot be convicted posthumously.

Nessel stresses, however, that each story is important and encourages survivors to continue sharing their experiences—even if the opportunity for legal retribution has expired.

According to Nessel, reporting and investigating each count of clergy sexual abuse serves a vital public purpose. It helps validate survivor experiences and demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to stopping these heinous crimes. With every account they trace, investigate, and expose, the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse gets weaker. It shows other survivors they are not alone and sends a clear message to perpetrators that their time in the dark is up.

Did You Experience Sexual Misconduct by a Member of the Lansing Diocese?

At Sommers Schwartz, personal injury attorneys Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and Jay Yasso are committed to fighting for sexual abuse survivors. Our firm has successfully prosecuted high-profile predators such as Dr. Larry Nassar—Michigan State University and USAG team physician—and Robert Anderson, who sexually abused students, athletes, and other patients for over 35 years at the University of Michigan.

If you were sexually abused or targeted by a member of the Lansing Diocese—or another ecclesiastical leader—we want to hear from you. Contact Sommers Schwartz for a free consultation, and let our team of highly experienced attorneys help you pursue justice with the compassion and sensitivity your story deserves.