A comprehensive review of Michigan's Catholic diocese investigations, historical sexual abuse claims, and lessons from New York and other states

By James “Jamie” White
Founder and Attorney, White Law PLLC
November 4, 2026

Executive Summary

Michigan has reached an important stage in its investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving Catholic clergy.

Since 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police have investigated allegations involving priests, deacons, religious personnel, and Catholic institutions throughout the state. Six diocesan investigation reports have been published, with the final report concerning the Archdiocese of Detroit still forthcoming.

These reports provide a substantial public record of historical allegations, investigative findings, clergy assignments, and institutional responses to complaints.

For survivors, the investigations raise a fundamental question: Will Michigan enact legislation allowing people who experienced childhood sexual abuse decades ago to pursue civil claims that may otherwise be barred by statutes of limitations?

New York, California, and Maryland have adopted significant reforms addressing historical childhood sexual abuse claims. Their experiences provide useful guidance for understanding what a Michigan revival window could accomplish.

This report examines Michigan’s published diocesan investigations, explains the current legal framework, identifies relevant developments in other states, and provides resources for survivors.

1. Michigan’s Statewide Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Investigation

Michigan began its statewide clergy sexual abuse investigation in September 2018.

Investigators obtained extensive records from Catholic dioceses, reviewed historical allegations, interviewed survivors and witnesses, and examined information gathered through law enforcement and the Attorney General’s reporting process.

By June 2026, the Michigan Attorney General reported that investigators had reviewed more than 1.5 million paper documents and 3.5 million electronic documents. The investigation had generated approximately 1,276 tips, at least 180 victim interviews, and more than 285 police reports.

These numbers reflect the scope of the investigation, not the number of substantiated allegations or unique survivors.

The reports have particular significance because allegations of childhood sexual abuse may remain undisclosed for decades. Survivors may experience fear, shame, manipulation, or pressure associated with the authority of an alleged abuser.

The passage of time can also complicate investigations. Witnesses may no longer be available, documents may have been lost, and criminal prosecution may be restricted by applicable statutes of limitations.

Nevertheless, the reports preserve information that may assist survivors, investigators, and the public in understanding historical allegations and institutional responses.

Official resource: Michigan Attorney General — Catholic Church Clergy Abuse Investigation

2. Why the Michigan Diocese Reports Matter

The Attorney General’s diocesan reports serve several important functions.

Preservation of historical evidence. The investigations organize information from church records, law enforcement materials, and witness accounts that might otherwise remain difficult to locate.

Identification of clergy assignments. The reports may help survivors understand where particular priests, deacons, and religious personnel served.

Examination of institutional responses. The reports discuss complaints, internal communications, personnel decisions, and investigative actions where relevant.

Recognition of delayed disclosure. Historical abuse allegations often involve survivors who did not report their experiences until adulthood.

Public access to investigative information. The reports make portions of the historical record available to survivors, families, journalists, and researchers.

Importantly, inclusion in an Attorney General report does not establish that an allegation is credible, substantiated, or criminal. Nor does a report constitute a civil judgment against a person or institution.

The reports are investigative resources, not substitutes for individualized legal analysis.

3. Michigan’s Six Published Diocese Reports

The following links provide direct access to the official Michigan Attorney General investigation reports.

Diocese of Marquette

The Marquette report, first released in October 2022, was the first diocesan report published through Michigan’s statewide investigation.

It examines historical allegations involving clergy associated with the diocese and provides information concerning alleged misconduct, complaints, and investigative findings.

The report established a public reporting framework subsequently used in other Michigan dioceses.

An updated version was released in June 2026.

Read the official Marquette report (PDF)

Diocese of Gaylord

The January 2024 Gaylord report identified 28 clergy entries involving 26 priests and two deacons.

The report examines historical allegations and provides information concerning clergy assignments and reported misconduct.

For survivors in northern Michigan, it may be a useful resource for understanding allegations involving particular individuals or institutions.

Read the official Gaylord report (PDF)

Diocese of Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo report was initially released in May 2024 and subsequently updated.

It addresses allegations involving clergy associated with the diocese and examines historical church and investigative records.

The report may assist survivors connected to Catholic parishes, schools, and other institutions in southwest Michigan.

Read the official Kalamazoo report (PDF)

Diocese of Lansing

Released in December 2024, the Lansing report includes 56 entries involving priests, deacons, and religious brothers or former religious brothers.

The investigation provides historical information concerning allegations involving Catholic clergy and institutions in central Michigan.

For survivors, the report may help identify relevant clergy assignments, earlier complaints, and potential sources of evidence.

Read the official Lansing report (PDF)

Diocese of Grand Rapids

The December 2025 Grand Rapids report identifies 51 priests associated with allegations of sexual misconduct, including allegations involving minors and adults.

The report is a significant public resource for survivors in western Michigan.

It also provides information relevant to understanding historical allegations and institutional responses.

Read the official Grand Rapids report (PDF)

Diocese of Saginaw

The Saginaw report, released in June 2026, is the most recent of Michigan’s six published diocesan reports.

It identifies 37 priests and one deacon and examines allegations spanning decades.

The Attorney General reported approximately 180 tips connected with the Saginaw investigation.

Read the official Saginaw report (PDF)

Archdiocese of Detroit

The Archdiocese of Detroit is the remaining jurisdiction covered by the statewide investigation.

Its final report had not been published as of the latest official update reviewed for this article.

Survivors can monitor the Michigan Attorney General’s investigation website for further information.

4. What Is a Civil Revival Window?

A civil revival window, sometimes called a lookback window, is a period established by legislation during which certain previously time-barred claims may be filed.

Statutes of limitations ordinarily establish deadlines for filing civil lawsuits.

Childhood sexual abuse cases present particular challenges because survivors may not disclose abuse or recognize its consequences until many years after the conduct occurred.

A revival law can provide an opportunity for qualifying survivors to pursue civil claims even though the ordinary filing deadline previously expired.

For example, someone abused as a child in Michigan in 1985 might otherwise face a limitations defense. A future revival law could permit that person to file a civil lawsuit if the claim falls within the law’s eligibility requirements.

A revival window does not guarantee compensation or establish liability. The plaintiff must still satisfy the applicable legal requirements.

5. Is Michigan’s Clergy Sexual Abuse Revival Window Open?

As of November 4, 2026, Michigan has not enacted a new broadly applicable civil revival window for historical clergy sexual abuse claims.

Michigan’s 2018 reforms included a narrowly limited 90-day revival provision that has expired.

In May 2025, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bills 257–261, proposing reforms to civil remedies for childhood sexual abuse survivors.

Additional legislation was introduced in the Michigan House in June 2026.

The proposals address issues such as filing deadlines and opportunities for certain survivors to pursue historical claims.

However, proposed legislation does not become effective merely because it is introduced or passes one legislative chamber.

The final statutory language, legislative approval, and effective date would determine whether and when a new revival window opens.

An election does not itself open a revival window. Changes to Michigan law require valid legislative action.

Survivors should not assume they must wait for future legislation before obtaining legal advice. Existing law may provide options depending on the circumstances.

Review Michigan’s current law — MCL 600.5851b

Monitor legislation through the Michigan Legislature

6. What New York’s Child Victims Act Teaches Michigan

New York enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019, creating a temporary opportunity for certain survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file previously time-barred civil claims.

The window was extended and ultimately closed in August 2021.

The legislation permitted litigation involving religious institutions, schools, youth organizations, and other defendants.

New York provides three important lessons for Michigan.

First, revival legislation can provide access to the courts. Survivors whose claims were previously time-barred may be permitted to present evidence and pursue civil remedies.

Second, institutional conduct may become a central issue. Litigation may examine whether an institution knew of alleged misconduct and how it responded, subject to applicable legal standards.

Third, a revival window does not guarantee a settlement or judgment. Cases still depend on evidence, legal defenses, and the circumstances of the defendants.

New York’s experience demonstrates the potential significance of revival legislation, but its laws and settlement outcomes cannot be assumed to apply to Michigan.

7. Lessons From California and Maryland

California

California established a three-year revival period for certain childhood sexual abuse claims from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022.

The experience illustrates the importance of filing deadlines. A temporary opportunity to pursue a historical claim can expire.

California has also enacted other reforms affecting childhood sexual assault claims, so its current legal framework is broader than that particular revival period.

Maryland

Maryland enacted the Child Victims Act of 2023, eliminating certain civil filing deadlines for childhood sexual abuse claims.

In February 2025, Maryland’s highest court upheld the legislation against a constitutional challenge.

Maryland illustrates a different approach from a short, temporary revival window.

Implications for Michigan

The experiences of these states demonstrate that legislatures have adopted different mechanisms for addressing historical childhood sexual abuse claims.

Michigan’s lawmakers must determine what provisions, if any, should apply under Michigan law.

8. What Evidence May Support a Michigan Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?

Historical sexual abuse cases frequently require careful investigation of events that occurred decades earlier.

Relevant evidence may include church personnel records, clergy assignment histories, prior complaints, internal correspondence, school or parish records, witness accounts, and medical or counseling documentation.

The Michigan Attorney General’s diocesan reports may provide additional historical context.

Not every survivor will possess documents created at the time of the alleged abuse. The absence of contemporaneous records does not automatically determine whether a claim is legally viable.

Similarly, the appearance of an alleged abuser in an Attorney General report does not automatically establish the elements of a civil claim.

Every case requires individualized factual and legal analysis.

9. Can a Michigan Catholic Diocese Be Held Responsible for Sexual Abuse by a Priest?

Potentially, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.

A civil claim may examine whether an institution had legally relevant knowledge of alleged misconduct, whether it failed to take required precautions, and whether its conduct contributed to a legally compensable injury.

Depending on the facts and governing law, potential theories may include negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.

Institutional liability is not automatic simply because the alleged perpetrator was associated with a church or religious organization.

The relevant relationships, conduct, evidence, and legal defenses must be evaluated.

10. What Should Michigan Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors Do Now?

Survivors considering their options may wish to preserve available information, including the name of the alleged abuser, the parish or school involved, approximate dates, and potential witnesses.

They may also review the relevant Michigan Attorney General report and consider contacting law enforcement or the Attorney General.

Confidential counseling, victim advocacy, and peer-support services are available independently of whether a survivor pursues legal action.

A qualified Michigan attorney can evaluate existing statutes of limitations, potential exceptions, available evidence, and the possible effect of future legislation.

Survivors should not assume that their only option is to wait for a new revival law.

11. Resources for Michigan Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors

Michigan Attorney General — Clergy Abuse Investigation

Official diocesan reports, investigation updates, and reporting information.

https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/catholic-church-clergy-abuse

Michigan Attorney General Clergy Abuse Tip Line

844-324-3374

aginvestigations@michigan.gov

RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline

Confidential support and referrals.

800-656-HOPE (4673)

https://rainn.org/

SNAP — Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

Survivor advocacy, peer support, and resources.

https://www.snapnetwork.org/

CHILD USA

Research concerning childhood sexual abuse and statutes of limitations.

https://childusa.org/

Michigan Legislature

Official legislative information and enacted laws.

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims

Is there currently a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lookback window?

As of November 4, 2026, Michigan has not enacted a new broadly applicable civil revival window for historical clergy sexual abuse claims. Proposed legislation could change the law, but it is not effective until enacted and applicable.

Can I sue a Catholic diocese in Michigan for abuse that occurred decades ago?

Possibly. The answer depends on the facts, applicable statutes of limitations, potential exceptions, and any future legislative changes.

Does a priest have to appear in an Attorney General report for a survivor to bring a lawsuit?

No. Inclusion in a diocesan report is not necessarily a prerequisite to pursuing an otherwise viable civil claim.

Can a survivor pursue a civil claim if no criminal charges were filed?

Potentially. Criminal and civil proceedings involve different legal standards. The absence of criminal charges does not automatically eliminate civil remedies.

What if the priest has died?

The death of an alleged perpetrator does not automatically resolve every potential civil claim. Depending on the circumstances, an estate or institution may be relevant to the legal analysis.

What if the abuse occurred at a Catholic school?

The analysis may involve the school, diocese, religious organization, responsible individuals, and other potentially relevant entities.

How much compensation can a Michigan clergy sexual abuse survivor receive?

There is no universal settlement amount. Potential recoveries depend on the evidence, injuries, applicable law, liability, defendants, insurance, and other circumstances.

Should survivors wait for a Michigan revival law before contacting an attorney?

Not necessarily. Existing law may provide options in some circumstances, and evidence preservation can be important regardless of future legislative action.

Where can I find the official Michigan Catholic clergy abuse reports?

The Michigan Attorney General publishes the reports on its official website. Direct links to all six published diocesan reports are provided in Section 3 of this article.

13. An Attorney’s Perspective: Lessons From Litigating Major Institutional Sexual Abuse Cases

By James “Jamie” White

My perspective on Michigan’s clergy sexual abuse investigations comes from my experience as a litigation attorney representing survivors in some of the largest institutional sexual abuse proceedings in American history.

I have actively participated in litigation involving Larry Nassar, Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, the University of Michigan’s Robert Anderson, and the Boy Scouts of America.

I have also represented hundreds of survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving the Boy Scouts.

These cases demonstrate the importance of examining institutional responsibility, preserving historical evidence, and pursuing accountability through the civil justice system.

Larry Nassar Litigation — More Than $1 Billion in Global Settlements

I participated as a litigator in the Larry Nassar sexual abuse proceedings, including litigation involving Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics.

I was also the first attorney to file a civil action against the FBI concerning its handling of sexual abuse allegations against Nassar.

The major institutional settlements included:

• Michigan State University: $500 million.
• USA Gymnastics-related settlement: $380 million.
• United States Department of Justice / FBI: $138.7 million.

Combined global settlement amount: approximately $1.019 billion.

These were collective settlements involving numerous survivors, attorneys, defendants, and institutions. My role was as a participating litigation attorney representing survivors, not as the sole attorney responsible for the global resolutions.

The federal litigation was particularly significant because it examined whether government investigative failures contributed to additional abuse.

Boy Scouts of America — Approximately $2.46 Billion Settlement Framework

I have represented hundreds of survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving the Boy Scouts of America and participated as litigation counsel in matters arising from those allegations.

The nationwide Boy Scouts bankruptcy proceedings involved more than 82,000 timely abuse claims and resulted in a court-approved reorganization plan establishing a survivor compensation trust.

The global settlement framework provided approximately $2.46 billion in funding and assets for the benefit of sexual abuse survivors, together with potential additional insurance recoveries.

That figure describes the broader settlement framework, not the amount already distributed to individual survivors.

My work representing Boy Scouts survivors involved historical sexual abuse allegations, complex institutional liability questions, and the nationwide claims and settlement process.

University of Michigan — Robert Anderson Litigation

I served on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the University of Michigan Robert Anderson sexual abuse litigation.

The litigation involved allegations of sexual abuse by the university’s former physician and resulted in a $490 million global settlement.

As a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, I participated in the coordinated litigation effort involving historical abuse claims and institutional accountability.

Why This Experience Matters for Michigan Clergy Abuse Survivors

The Michigan Attorney General’s diocesan reports raise many of the same questions encountered in the Nassar, Anderson, and Boy Scouts litigation.

What did institutions know about allegations of sexual abuse? How did they respond to complaints? What records were maintained? Were there opportunities to prevent additional harm?

My experience litigating these cases has reinforced the importance of investigating both individual misconduct and institutional conduct.

It has also demonstrated why statutes of limitations matter. A survivor may have evidence supporting a claim but encounter a filing deadline that prevents the claim from being heard.

New York, California, and Maryland have adopted different approaches to addressing historical childhood sexual abuse claims.

Michigan’s consideration of similar legislation presents important questions about access to the civil justice system.

For survivors, the first step is understanding the law as it exists today, the evidence that may be available, and how future legislation could affect their rights.

James “Jamie” White
Founder and Attorney, White Law PLLC

About the Author

James “Jamie” White is the founder and an attorney at White Law PLLC, a Michigan law firm with offices in Okemos and Novi.

White is a trial and litigation attorney whose practice includes personal injury, wrongful death, criminal defense, clergy sexual abuse, and complex institutional sexual abuse litigation.

He has represented hundreds of Boy Scouts sexual abuse survivors and has served as litigation counsel in major proceedings involving Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, the FBI, and the University of Michigan.

His experience includes participation in the Larry Nassar litigation associated with approximately $1.019 billion in combined institutional settlements; representation of Boy Scouts survivors in proceedings associated with an approximately $2.46 billion national settlement framework; and service on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the University of Michigan Robert Anderson litigation, which resulted in a $490 million global settlement.

White was also the first attorney to file suit against the FBI concerning its handling of Larry Nassar sexual abuse allegations. The federal government ultimately agreed to a $138.7 million global settlement.

These figures describe global litigation outcomes involving multiple plaintiffs, attorneys, and participating firms. They do not represent amounts independently obtained by White Law PLLC in every matter and do not guarantee future results.

White Law PLLC
Okemos and Novi, Michigan

Website: https://www.whitelawpllc.com/

Telephone: 517-316-1195

Legal disclaimer: This report is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and legislative developments may change. Each potential claim requires individualized assessment.