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Michigan AG Releases Grand Rapids Clergy Abuse Report Naming 51 Priests

The release underscores a transparency push in a yearslong probe constrained by statutes of limitations, deceased accused priests, noncriminal conduct, or victims who declined to pursue charges.

Overview

  • The report catalogs allegations dating to 1950 and lists 51 priests, 38 ordained in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
  • No criminal cases have been filed from the Grand Rapids allegations; statewide the investigation produced 11 cases with nine convictions involving 38 survivors.
  • Prosecutors cited legal time bars, deaths of accused clergy, conduct not chargeable under Michigan law, and victim preference as reasons cases were not brought.
  • Investigators drew on a tip line, victim interviews, police work, open-source media, and seized diocesan records, logging 105 Grand Rapids tips including 27 from the diocese.
  • Grand Rapids Bishop David Walkowiak apologized to survivors and said 37 named priests are deceased and the others are not in active ministry in the diocese.