Father Richard T. Craig: Clergy Sexual Predator Profile

Father Richard T. Craig was ordained in 1988 and served in the Diocese of Marquette. In 1991, he came under scrutiny when a boy told his Catholic Social Services counselor he’d been “sleeping in the same bed as Father Craig.” The Diocese Sex Abuse Team then launched an investigation and learned Father Craig had kissed the boy on the lips, hugged him, and slept in the same bed as the boy. Father Craig also insisted the boy call him “Daddy.”

On June 26, 1991, Father Craig requested a leave of absence from the diocese for “personal reasons.” During that time, he sought treatment at various hospitals and institutions.

In September 1993, another minor reported that Father Craig touched his penis while on a camping trip. The diocese substantiated the claim through internal review and unanimously agreed he should resign from priestly ministry.

On May 10, 2018, Father Craig was invited to be voluntarily defrocked. Today, he is included among the diocese’s list of priests who have committed sexual misconduct against a minor.

At Sommers Schwartz, personal injury attorneys Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, Matthew Curtis, and Jay Yasso are fighting for sexual abuse survivors. Our firm has recovered millions from 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 thirty-five years at the University of Michigan.

We will fight for you, too.

If Father Craig or another ecclesiastical leader has sexually abused you, don’t wait. Contact Sommers Schwartz for a free consultation, and let our experienced attorneys help pursue your case with the compassion, empathy, and sensitivity your story deserves.