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Rev. Msgr. Timothy H. Desrochers – Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyers

Father Timothy Desrochers served as a Pastor at a number of parishes in the Upper Peninsula including at St. John the Evangelist, Ishpeming, St. Mary, Sault Ste. Marie, and at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette beginning in 1964. Starting in 1978, Father Desrochers spent 25 years as the Rector at Marygrove Retreat Center, Garden.

The allegations of sexual abuse against Fr. Desrochers began in 2003 when a complaint was made by a 22 year old man alleging being hugged and massaged by Fr. Desrochers during confession. When confronted by church authorities, Father Desrochers denied the allegations.

In 2007, an email was sent to the Diocese containing nude pictures of Fr. Desrochers. The pictures were taken while Fr. Desrochers was on vacation in Puerto Rico and were later posted on the website silverdaddies.com, a website where older men can meet younger men. When confronted by school officials about the photos, Fr. Desrochers did not deny that the pictures were of him but downplayed it as “not a big deal.”

Following an investigation by the Diocese in July, 2007, Fr. Desrochers was restricted from administering his priestly services.

In 2011, the Schoolcraft County Sheriff Department sent a letter to the Diocese informing them of Fr. Desrochers’ inappropriate sexual relationship with a prisoner that was then housed in jail. The allegations were corroborated through recorded phone conversations between Fr. Desrochers and the prisoner where the two were discussing engaging in oral sex. 

Despite losing his ministerial services in 2007, Fr. Desrochers remained a Priest until he died in 2020.

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 Fr. Desrochers 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.

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