Michigan’s top state prosecutor has released a report outlining charges against nearly 60 people in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing for sexually abusing children and vulnerable adults over the past 70 years.
State Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office released the report as part of a multiyear investigation into clergy sexual abuse within Michigan’s Catholic dioceses.
The investigation, which began in September 2018, involved 48 priests, three friars, one suspected former friar, and four deacons in sexual misconduct in the Diocese of Lansing since 1950. It turned out that there was a suspicion that The report includes interviews with victims, information provided, and police investigations. Also documents seized from diocese amid cleanup of sexual misconduct by Catholic clergy.
Of the 56 people charged, 42 were ordained or ordained by the Diocese of Lansing. Although the number of confirmed offenders in Lansing is lower than the number reported in other U.S. dioceses, the diocese is not one of the largest in the country.
Nessel’s office announced charges in 11 cases of Catholic clergy abuse in Michigan during a statewide investigation. Nine people were found guilty.
Two of the cases involved priests in the Diocese of Lansing, and one apparently involved a former religious friar, the Detroit News reported.
A priest named Vincent DeLorenzo was sentenced in June 2023 to one year in prison, suspended for five years, for attempted first-degree criminal sexual assault of a five-year-old boy. Mr. DeLorenzo died in prison in January.
DeLorenzo’s fellow priest, Timothy Crowley, was sentenced in November 2023 to one year in prison, suspended for five years, on two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The Detroit News reported that he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor 30 years ago.
And Joseph Comperchio, a church organist and Catholic school drama and music teacher who claimed to be a religious brother, was charged in August 2021 with sexually abusing four children. was sentenced to 10 to 30 years in prison. Mr. Comperchio died while serving his sentence in 2022.
Mr. Nessel promised to issue a report for all seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan. Reports for Marquette, Gaylord and Kalamazoo parishes have already been released.
Since taking office, Nessel has repeatedly said he would use his department to ensure sexual abuse and assault cases are properly reviewed.
“By issuing these reports, we are sharing their stories and validating their experiences,” Nessel said at a press conference Monday. “We hope this report gives a voice to those who have suffered in silence for too long.”
The Diocese of Lansing, Bishop Earl Boyer, also issued a statement apologizing for the sexual abuse that occurred within the diocese.
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“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, the victims, those who were hurt physically, emotionally, and above all spiritually, and their families.” Boia said in a statement.
“To all those who have been hurt by such criminal and immoral acts, I say it without hesitation: something so terrible should never have happened to you.”
The report on the Archdiocese of Detroit is one of three pending in Nessel’s office’s investigation into Michigan’s Catholic dioceses. The report is expected to be completed by 2026.
In the US, call or text the Childhelp Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453, visit our website for more resources, report child abuse, or DM us for help. please. Adult survivors of child abuse can find help at ascasupport.org. In the UK, the NSPCC provides support for children on 0800 1111 and support for adults concerned about children on 0808 800 5000. The National Association of Child Abusers (Napac) offers support to adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young people, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Other sources of support can be found at Child Helplines International.
