Father Joseph Carne – Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Father Joseph Carne was removed from priesting ministry in 2002 after numerous complainants came forward accusing him of sexual assault and abuse of minors going back to the mid-1970’s.  At that time, and for the next three decades, Father Carne was assigned as a pastor in parishes in the City of Bessemer, Marquette and Escanaba. Father Carne also served as a fraternity adviser for a number of years at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, where he had access to vulnerable young adults who sought his counsel.

Like all other assailants of sexual abuse and sexual assault, Father Carne concealed and deflected his prey on teenagers and young adults by inviting them to his rectory, home, or the churches cottage in Dollar Bay where he sexually abused his victims. Father Carne was known to offer his victims alcohol, inviting them into his sauna, offering massages, and engaging in masturbation and oral sex. Father Carne was also involved as a counselor at a summer camp where he had access to teenage boys. A number of survivors of his abuse came forward alleging Father Carne exposed himself to them and that they had witnessed other assaults. 

In 2013, the Marquette Prosecuting Attorney was notified of Father Carne’s sexual activities with minors at the summer camp. Unfortunately, no criminal charges were ever brought against Father Carne because the alleged incidences occurred outside of the statute of limitations.

When the Marquette Diocese learned of Father Carne’s actions involving teenagers and young adults, they sent letters of apology to the victims who were being sexually abused and offered them counseling free of charge.

Father Carne was removed from the priestly ministry in 2002. He died in 2019.

Sommers Schwartz shareholders, Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, Matthew Curtis and Jay Yasso have fought for victims of sexual abuse. The law firm of Sommers Schwartz has recovered millions for survivors of Michigan State University and USAG team physician, Dr. Larry Nassar, and against Dr. Robert Anderson who sexually abused students, athletes and other patients for over 35 years at the University of Michigan.

If Father Carne or any other priest or a member of the Catholic Church sexually abused you, you should consult experienced attorneys at Sommers Schwartz. Attorneys Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, Matthew Curtis and Jay Yasso are seasoned and aggressive personal injury attorneys who will also show you the compassion, empathy and sensitivity you deserve. All consultations with Lisa, Matt and Jay are confidential and free.