Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel shares findings from a clergy abuse report regarding the investigation of the Diocese of Lansing, detailing decades of allegations.
Report Details Allegations of Misconduct Since 1950
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a detailed report summarizing allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct involving clergy members in the Diocese of Lansing. The report, part of a broader state investigation into abuse across Michigan’s Catholic dioceses, highlights accusations spanning more than seven decades.
The investigation, which began in 2018, lists 56 alleged offenders, including 48 priests, three religious brothers, one former religious brother, and four deacons. Of these, 42 individuals were ordained or associated with the Diocese of Lansing.
Clergy Abuse Report Was A Promise Kept
“These reports are important, not just because we made a promise to the survivors years ago, but because victims, especially in cases like these where the assaults were perpetrated by entrusted members of a community, are often silenced – in some cases for decades or a lifetime,” Nessel said. “By publishing these reports, we are sharing their stories and validating their experiences. Criminal prosecutions are just one accountability metric. Ensuring each victim is heard, regardless of how long ago the sexual abuse and misconduct may have been, is important in acknowledging their pain and fostering a culture that prioritizes these victims over their silence.”
The findings come from police investigations, interviews, seized paper and digital records, and tips submitted through the Attorney General’s clergy abuse tip line. Investigators reviewed over 60,000 documents specific to Lansing and hundreds of thousands more in digital files.
Statute of Limitations Limits Prosecutions
The report documents alleged abuse incidents against both minors and adults, including claims of grooming and misuse of authority. However, many cases are ineligible for prosecution due to Michigan’s statute of limitations, the death of the accused, or victims declining to pursue charges.
Two former Lansing-area priests, Vincent DeLorenzo and Timothy Crowley, faced criminal convictions as part of the investigation. DeLorenzo, who admitted to sexually assaulting a five-year-old boy in 1987, received one year in jail but died in 2024 while serving his sentence. Crowley was sentenced to one year in prison and probation for abusing a minor in the 1980s.
Statewide Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
The Lansing report is the fourth of seven expected releases, covering each of Michigan’s Catholic dioceses and the Archdiocese of Detroit. Nessel’s team executed search warrants across seven dioceses, seizing 220 boxes of documents and 3.5 million digital records.
To date, the investigation has led to 11 criminal cases, resulting in nine convictions. Nessel praised the Michigan State Police and her team for their dedication to justice. “This represents countless hours of work and unwavering commitment to victims,” she said.
The Attorney General’s clergy abuse tip line remains a critical resource, generating over 1,100 tips and leading to 180 victim interviews statewide. Victims can share information confidentially by calling 844-324-3374 or submitting details via the Attorney General’s website.
Diocese of Lansing’s Cooperation Acknowledged
The Diocese of Lansing cooperated with the investigation, sharing 44 of the tips received. Many survivors first reported the abuse to church leaders, whose cooperation aided investigators in compiling the report. The Diocese has not yet issued an official statement responding to the findings.
What Comes Next for Victims and the Church
The release of these reports serves as a form of public accountability and validation for survivors. “This is about acknowledging pain and prioritizing survivors,” Nessel emphasized. Though many alleged offenders cannot face charges, the report sheds light on decades of abuse and systemic failures.
The Attorney General’s office encourages victims of sexual abuse to seek support through resources like 855-VOICES4, a national hotline for survivors.
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