Their willingness to come forward helped bring attention to an issue that has affected so many in our state and our country, including children.. Fr. We hope that any survivor, witness, or whistleblower with information will come forward and aid the Attorney General in her ongoing work to clean up the Catholic dioceses in Michigan, The Survivors Network (SNAP), said in a statement. People v. Joseph Comperchio Comperchio, an organist, pleaded guilty to one count first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts second-degree criminal sexual conduct. To investigate and prosecute hate crimes by following up on every credible tip and offer departmental resources to assist local and federal law enforcement partners in this effort. He previously worked as a features writer, investigative reporter, and editor with the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press. The report is made up of victim interviews, police investigations, documents, tips to the Attorney Generals office, and disclosures from the diocese. He is based in St. Louis. Two of the living priests on the list are retired but remain in active ministry, one for the Diocese of Marquette and another for the Byzantine Eparchy of Pittsburgh. The report was shared with the Diocese of Marquette in advance of being released to the public to ensure accuracy and completeness. We continue to apologize on behalf of the Church to all victim-survivors and their families, including those here within our diocese, for the pain they endured, often in silence. In October of 2018, 42 Michigan State Police troopers, five officers from different law enforcement agencies and 15 special agents from the Department of Attorney General executed search warrants at Michigans seven dioceses. The defense has filed for an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. The priests were identified either as a result of the search warrant or through the tip line operated by the Attorney Generals Office since 2018. In the end, we hope this investigation provides a voice to those who have suffered in silence for so long and shines a light on those alleged offenders who have escaped punishment for their crimes by hiding in shadows.. Two of the 12 living priests have been charged criminally. New Report Details Abuse Allegations At Marquette Catholic Diocese The Great Lakes are the lifeblood of our state, boosting our economy and providing drinking water and adventure to so many. Victims of sexual abuse and/or assault in need of additional resources should contact 855-VOICES4. The report is made up of victim interviews, police. There is no excuse for what happened to you. The diocese is aware of no one currently active in ministry within the diocese who has abused a child. Of the 11 cases, two of the cases were related to priests ministering in the Diocese of Marquette, one of which resulted in a conviction and the other is pending. People v. Brian Stanley Stanley pleaded guilty to attempted false imprisonment and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, probation, and sex offender registration. Of the 44 priests on the list, 38 were employed or incardinated by the Diocese of Marquette. The key findings of todays report by the Attorney General include: The Attorney General report lists 44 priests for which there have been allegations of sexual misconduct since the 1940s to present day. Tragically, the abuse of children is a horrific part of our Church history, one we must continue to atone for and do everything we can to never repeat. The willingness of the diocese to provide information was instrumental in the compilation of the report, officials said in a press release. Nessel says the report was released in the interest of the public and to acknowledge the reports of alleged abuse from victims. The tip line has generated 1015 tips related to abuse, leading to many police investigations, at least 180 victim interviews and more than 285 police reports. The state has hired a full-time victim advocate to support the hundreds of victims that have come forward. The priest was accused of watching the Playboy Channel while sharing a room with the boy and making unwanted physical contact with him while they were both clothed on the bed. margin-top: 10px; Nessel has made the investigation of abuse among Catholic clergy a major focus of her tenure as Michigan's attorney general, and has occasionally been accused of anti-Catholic bias. Even though almost all of the abuse in our diocese occurred decades ago, the wounds run very deep, and many people are still suffering today.. The release of the Marquette report comes less than two weeks before the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 8, during which Nessel will face three challengers for her seat. On October 27, 2022, the Office of the Michigan Attorney General released its report concerning its investigation into clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Marquette. The Attorneys Generals investigation, which all Michigan dioceses have cooperated with, had the express purpose of examining whether the dioceses were reporting sexual abuse as required by law or whether they were covering it up and, thanks be to God, todays report confirms the cooperation of the dioceses and shows no cover-up by the Diocese of Marquette, said Lisa Kutas, Chief of Staff of the Diocese of Lansing, October 27. Six of those priests are alleged to have committed sexual misconduct relating to adults (18 years or older). The report is part of an ongoing state investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving Catholic priests. After the announcement of the investigation, Michigan's seven dioceses said they welcomed the investigation and pledged their full cooperation. Source: Michigan Manual 2003-2004, Chapter IV, Former Officials of Michigan. In that effort, they seized 220 boxes of paper documents and more than 3.5 million digital documents. In October 2018, 42 Michigan State Police troopers, five officers from different law enforcement agencies and 15 special agents from the Department of Attorney General executed search warrants at Michigans seven dioceses. The information is being released to the public as an acknowledgment to the victims of these alleged crimes and as a public accounting of the resources allocated to the Department of Attorney General to investigate and prosecute clergy abuse, Nessel said in her Thursday announcement. Please send any tips to the investigation hotline at 844-324-3374 or by email to aginvestigations@michigan.gov. Terrence Healy was convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct against a minor in 1987 for his conduct that occurred while operating as a priest in the Diocese of Lansing; Fr. The Department of Attorney General is committed to ensuring that every case of sexual abuse and assault is thoroughly reviewed and that whenever we are able to pursue justice we do so relentlessly and aggressively, said Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General. Learn more about the status of the cases below: In addition to the paper and digital documents seized from the dioceses, information is also received through the Attorney Generals clergy abuse tip line. Report released by AG Nessel documenting alleged abuse at Marquette Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. His suicide note referenced the abuse. Doerfler did not comment on any of the other specific accounts given in the reports, which are sometimes graphic. For more information about the handling of abuse cases in the Archdiocese of Detroit and how it approaches safety for children, youth, and vulnerable adults, please visit aod.org/charter to view our report released earlier this year. The diocese also lists three priests who were permanently removed from priestly ministry, two in 2002 and one in 1993 additionally, two priests were laicized, one in 1992 and one in 2010. Michigan law, MCL 14.32, provides that "[i]t shall be the duty of the attorney general, when required, to give his opinion upon all questions of law submitted to him by the legislature, or by either branch thereof, or by the governor, auditor general, treasurer or any other state officer . The Attorney Generals office says all seven Michigan dioceses agreed to cooperate with the investigation, and their willingness to pass along reports of abuse has been instrumental. The diocese is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement so that anyone who harms children can be brought to justice. Phone: 989-799-7910 Email Us. This report does not address the Archdiocese of Detroit. You are, and should have been, our priority. Pope Francis: Do we allow ourselves to be amazed at God's works? Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting. The officeholder is also limited to two terms, for a total of eight possible years of service; ten possible years of service if the officeholder serves two full terms and less than half of one term as a replacement. The willingness of the Diocese to provide information was instrumental in the compilation of the report. Completed the paper document review of more than 1.5 million documents; Completed the electronic document review of the Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Lansing, and Marquette dioceses leaving only approximately 135,882 digital documents from the Archdiocese of Detroit; Hired and trained a full-time victim advocate to support the hundreds of victims identified during the investigation; Continued to refer the completed criminal investigations back to the respective dioceses; and. Decade of alleged abuse against a minor by a priest in active ministry according to the Attorney General report: 3% from the 1940s; 16% from the 1950s; 28% from the 1960s; 27% from the 1970s; 14% from the 1980s; 10% from the 1990s; 2% date unknown. It is especially grievous if your voice was not heard. Their willingness to come forward helped bring attention to an issue that has affected so many in our state and our country, including children.. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance. The report contains allegations of sexual abuse and other sexual misconduct, including grooming and misuse of authority, against minors and adults. He holds a Masters Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. The possible criminal prosecution of many [of] these allegations is barred by the Statute of Limitations, or because the accused priest is deceased, Nessel said. Since the Michigan Constitution of 1963 was adopted, the attorney general has served . Mark McQuestern, dating back to 1986 or '87. Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Marquette Bishop John F. Doerfler issued a statement on the report in advance of a planned news conference Thursday. St. Peter's Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan | Danita Delimont/Shutterstock, Blessed Carlos Acutis' eucharistic miracles exhibit goes to Hollywood. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation unless and until the defendant is found guilty. Im very proud of the work on behalf of victims.. Those with credible allegations are removed from ministry. The willingness of the Diocese to provide information was instrumental in the compilation of the report. Diocese of Marquette responds to AG report on clergy abuse Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Archbishop Fernndez. By using a victim-centered, trauma-informed focus in the investigation and prosecution, these teams were able to secure convictions based on the victims memories of events that occurred many years ago, most from when they were children. He said the diocese conducted its investigation in that case under the norms for investigating alleged clergy sexual abuse established by the U.S. bishops Dallas Charter in 2002. Department of Attorney General If you have information regarding clergy abuse, you can reach the investigation hotline at 844-324-3374 or by email to aginvestigations@michigan.gov. The Attorney General of Michigan is an elected constitutional office in the executive branch of the Michigan state government. In the end, we hope this report provides voice to those who have suffered in silence for so long and shines a light on those alleged offenders who escaped punishment for their crimes by hiding in the shadows, Attorney General Nessel said. By that point, the statute of limitations had expired. The Charitable Trust Section functions for Michigan citizens as a repository of financial and other information about charities they may want to support. Outreach Mass, 2023 Diocese of Lansing: 228 N. Walnut St | Lansing, MI 48933 | 517-342-2440. The Diocese of Marquette on its site detailing accused clergy lists one priest, Father Aaron Nowicki, as being on administrative leave for non-criminal improper conduct with a vulnerable adult; following his 2019 removal from ministry, the Chippewa County Sheriffs Department announced on Aug. 16, 2021 that Nowicki was arrested in connection with a Ghost operation concerning child trafficking, the diocese said. People v. Timothy Crowley The case was originally dismissed in court in 2019. Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. According to the report, the alleged incident took place at a hotel in the late 1980s, when the priest was still in seminary and the victim was in high school. For the 11 who are living or presumed to be living, two are retired but still active in ministry. #gallery-7 .gallery-caption { By using a victim-centered, trauma-informed focus in the investigation and prosecution, these teams were able to secure convictions based on the victims memories of events that occurred many years ago, most from when they were children. He is one of two priests named in the report who remain in active ministry, despite being retired. By using a victim-centered, trauma-informed focus in the investigation and prosecution, these teams were able to secure convictions based on the victims memories of events that occurred many years ago, most from when they were children. } Joseph D. Carne, Rev. This is a developing story and will be updated. MARQUETTE Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday the release of a 154-page report detailing allegations of sexual abuse within the Marquette Catholic Diocese. They have issued criminal charges in 11 cases across the state so far, with two related to priests at the Diocese of Marquette. Followed up with victims who have not been interviewed by a trauma-informed interviewer. A live video stream will be available from their. They say if you have any information about abuse in the Catholic church to reach out to the states hotline. The Archdiocese of Detroit remains committed to fully cooperating with state officials as they continue their investigation. The Catholic Church in England and Wales has said it will carefully study the contents of a national report concerning sexual abuse. Fr. Michigan Manual 2003-2004, Chapter IV, Former Officials of Michigan, U.S. Supreme Court Opinions - "Cases with title containing: State of Michigan", Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel profile, National Association of Attorneys General, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of History, Arts and Libraries, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michigan_Attorney_General&oldid=1161109853, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox official post with unknown parameters, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 20 June 2023, at 18:02. On October 27, the Michigan Office of the Attorney General released a report on its investigation into the handling of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, which encompasses the Upper Peninsula. https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/releases/2022/October/Diocese-of-Marquette---FINAL-REPORT---Oct---2022.pdf. Their willingness to come forward helped bring attention to an issue that has affected so many in our state and our country, including children.. #gallery-7 { Today, the Diocese of Marquette will host a news conference to address the report. There are 44 priests on this list; 38 were employed or incardinated by the Marquette Diocese. The Department of Attorney General plans to release reports for each of the Dioceses. With more than 1,300 members from all corners of the mitten in firms of every . He was sentenced to 17 months to 15 years and 17 months to 5 years in prison. margin-left: 0; Criminal charges have been issued in 11 cases from throughout Michigan and convictions have come down in seven of those cases. According to the Attorney Generals Office, the information is being released to the public as an acknowledgment to the victims of the alleged crimes and as a public accounting of the resources allocated to the Department of Attorney General for investigating and prosecuting clergy abuse. Attorney General of Michigan - Ballotpedia MARQUETTE Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday the release of a 154-page report detailing allegations of sexual abuse within the Marquette Catholic Diocese. You are and should have been our priority. The Department has issued criminal charges in 11 cases from throughout the entire state and secured convictions in seven cases, delivering justice for 38 survivors. Todays report, the culmination of a four-year investigation, concerns the Diocese of Marquette. KISMA preserves lakes with free boat washes, Fifth-generation Wisconsin farm harvests trees during regular forest thinning, Chocolay Township Fire Department gets funding for new SCBAs from state budget, State American Legion award won by UP commander, report by the Department of Attorney General. It is important to note, a criminal charge is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Lansing, MI 48906 Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation. The Department of Attorney General is committed to ensuring that every case of sexual abuse and assault is thoroughly reviewed and that whenever we are able to pursue justice we do so relentlessly and aggressively, said Nessel. The vast majority of the reported allegations of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, which includes grooming, were against minor-age children, many of whom were under 16. While we do not know the exact timing, we do know a report on the Diocese of Saginaw is forthcoming. Phone: 517-335-7622, AG Nessel Releases Report of Alleged Abuse at Marquette Catholic Diocese, Public Safety Organizations And Their Fundraisers, Automatic Expungements: Michigan Clean Slate, First Time Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Offenses, Misdemeanor Marijuana Offenses and Misdemeanor/Felony Adult Offenses Checklists, Go to Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit, Determine if my vehicle is covered by Michigan Lemon Law, Know what to do if I was overcharged for an item, reportby the Department of Attorney General, A video providing an overview of the report is included. In the end, we hope this investigation provides a voice to those who have suffered in silence for so long and shines a light on those alleged offenders who have escaped punishment for their crimes by hiding in shadows.. The attorney general oversees the Office of the Attorney General, which is in charge of prosecuting the laws of the state of Michigan. MARQUETTE, Mich. - A detailed report has been released by the. The bishop emphasized that the diocese has determined that an allegation against one of the priests named in the report Father Mark McQuesten, a senior priest still in active ministry was deemed not credible. The trial of Cardinal Joseph Zen resumed in Hong Kong on Wednesday, days after the Vatican announced the renewal of its agreement with Beijing. Including grooming against minors and adults going back to the 1950s.. The report names 44 priests who ministered in Marquette who have been accused of abuse or grooming behavior since the 1940s. Expert decries brutal discrimination against medical conscientious objectors to abortion, Cardinal Zens trial reopens in Hong Kong days after Vatican-China deal renewal, Synod on Synodality: Vatican reveals framework for next stage of discussions, Catholic Church in England and Wales will carefully study abuse report recommendations. The Conviction Integrity Unit (the CIU) investigates claims of innocence to determine whether there is clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense. People v. Neil Kalina Kalina was found guilty of two counts second-degree criminal sexual conduct. 525 W. Ottawa St. Michigan attorney general Dana Nessel on Thursday released a report compiling allegations of sexual abuse directed at priests in the Diocese of Marquette, stretching back to the 1940s.. Nessel said the Marquette diocese worked in partnership with the attorney generals office to provide information and resources. The information is being released to the public as an acknowledgment to the victims of these alleged crimes and as a public accounting of the resources allocated to the Department of Attorney General to investigate and prosecute clergy abuse. The report is the first of a series of seven reports that will be released detailing alleged abuses in each of the states six diocese and the Archdiocese in Detroit. MARQUETTE, Mich. A detailed report has been released by the Michigan attorney generals office regarding allegations of sexual abuse that took place in the Marquette Catholic Diocese. Report details decades of alleged clergy sex abuse in Michigan diocese The tip line has generated 1,015 tips related to abuse, leading to many police investigations, at least 180 victim interviews and more than 285 police reports. At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. Statement on the Michigan Attorney General's report on the Diocese of He was sentenced to 8 to 15 years in prison with lifetime sex offender registration. James Menapace, Fr. He was sentenced to 8 to 15 years in prison with lifetime sex offender registration. the Diocese of Saginaw, are companions on the journey to share the love of Jesus Christ. Of the 44 priests named, 33 are known or presumed to be dead. Rather, the report is a compilation of information obtained from a tip line set up by the attorney generals office, victim interviews, police investigations, open-source media, paper and electronic documents seized from the diocese, and reports of allegations disclosed by the diocese. It is not a credible allegation, said Doerfler. People v. Patrick Casey Casey was charged with one count third-degree criminal sexual conduct and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. Read: Attorney General Report into Diocese of Marquette | A Response. At any one time there are more than 10,000 charities registered with the Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section. The report identifies 44 priests for which there were allegations of sexual misconduct against either children or adults since January of 1950. Despite a lack of DNA evidence linking suspects to these crimes, prosecutors were able to prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Thirty-eight of them were employed or incardinated by the Marquette diocese. All rights reserved). A new report from the Michigan Attorney General's office lays out a long history of abuse allegations at the Marquette Catholic Diocese. Nessel has strongly supported Michigan's Proposal 3, a move to codify abortion rights which would establish new individual right to reproductive freedom" and has given rise to vigorous opposition from Catholics in the state. A report pertaining to the Diocese of Marquette is the first to be released. Michigan AG releases detailed report on sexual abuse allegations at