Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s investigation into abuse by clergy in the Catholic church will continue into the new year. AG spokesperson Kelly Rossman-McKinney tells us seven priests have been charged so far. That’s after millions of documents were seized from the seven diocese offices in Michigan last year.
“Just based on the paper document review of the Diocese of Marquette, Gaylord, and Grand Rapids, we’ve identified 552 victims who have named a total of 270 priests as their abusers,” Rossman-McKinney said.
In some cases, the statute of limitations has prevented prosecution. In others, the priest has since died. Rossman-McKinney says it can take decades for a victim to come forward, and anyone with information they want to report is encouraged to contact the state clergy abuse tipline or go to Michigan.gov/ClergyAbuse. As for victims who spoke sooner…
“Some have told their parents, and in many cases, parents just didn’t believe their children. Some victims told other priests, and again there was a lack of belief in the victims.”
Rossman-McKinney says there are 45 ongoing investigations.
“We really feel that at this point in time we’re at the tip of the iceberg, and we expect continued revelations and charges.”
In many of the cases identified by Attorney General Nessel, the accused priest was simply transferred to another town, state, or even country. Rossman-McKinney says the AG’s office has the power to pursue these cases statewide, not being limited by a local jurisdiction. That’s why victims are encouraged to continue speaking out. Rossman-McKinney says new charges stemming out of the state investigation after expected after New Year’s.
Among the seven priests who have charged out of the investigation so far, one had served in southwest Michigan. Brian Stanley served in Coloma, and has pleaded guilty to one count of attempted false imprisonment. He faces up to five years in prison when sentenced on January 27
The state clergy abuse tipline is 844-324-3374 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
