More than 50 clergy members in Michigan dioceses, including 48 priests, have been accused of sexual abuse dating back to the 1950s, according to an alarming report by Michigan's top prosecutor.
State Attorney General Dana Nessel's office released the report as part of a five-year investigation into clergy sexual abuse within Catholic dioceses in the Great Lakes states.
The investigation found that 48 priests, three friars, one former monk and four deacons have been suspected of sexual misconduct in the Diocese of Lansing over the past 70 years.
Of these, 11 cases of Catholic clergy abuse were prosecuted, and nine were convicted as a result of a statewide investigation. Two incidents involved a priest and a religious from the Diocese of Lansing. According to the Detroit News.
Former priest Vincent DeLorenzo was sentenced in June 2023 to one year in prison, suspended for five years, for first-degree criminal attempt for sexually assaulting a 5-year-old boy after a family funeral. . He died in prison in January, according to documents.
Assaulted a 5-year-old boy. michigan
Timothy Crowley, another priest who served with DeLorenzo, was sentenced in November 2023 to one year in prison, suspended for five years, for second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He had previously pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor after being first charged in 1993, the Detriot News reported.
on multiple occasions. Tempe Police Department
Joseph Comperchio, a Catholic school teacher and church musician who claims to be a religious brother, was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison in August 2021 for sexually abusing four children. was sentenced. He died in prison in 2022.
The report is just one of seven that Nessel has promised to release for each Catholic diocese in Michigan. Reports from the Marquette, Gaylord and Kalamazoo dioceses have already been released.
“These reports are important not only because of the promises we made to survivors years ago, but also because of the commitments made to survivors, especially when assaults like this one were committed by commissioned members of the community. They are often forced into silence, sometimes for decades.” Nessel said in a statement..
“By publishing these reports, we are sharing their stories and validating their experiences. We hope this report will give a voice to those who have suffered in silence for too long. ”
Bishop Earl Boia, who has led the Diocese of Lansing since 2008, apologized and condemned the actions of the sick priests.
“As I read this long and detailed report, my heart goes out to all who suffer from the evil of clerical sexual abuse, which is a great betrayal of Jesus Christ, His Holy Church, and the priesthood. And most importantly, their victims, who were harmed at a young age physically, emotionally, and above all, spiritually.” he said in a statement.
“To all those who have been harmed by such criminal and immoral acts, I say it without hesitation, clearly: something like this should never have happened to you. I am so sorry for this. Please be assured of my prayers, condolences, love and support.”
All remaining reports are expected to be completed by 2026.
