Profile Facts
- Name
- Frank Mullen
- Role
- Deacon
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Deacon Frank Mullen served at a Detroit parish and taught at its elementary school before being placed on leave over an allegation of child sexual abuse. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers compiled this profile from the public record.
Deacons occupy a trusted role in parish life, and Mullen’s teaching position gave him daily access to children. Survivors abused by deacons have the same rights as those abused by priests, and our firm represents both.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
Mullen served in the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan’s largest diocese and one of seven in the state, with Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Attorney General’s clergy abuse investigation, launched in 2018, has examined allegations against deacons as well as priests.
Parish schools have a duty to protect the children entrusted to them. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can assess claims against the parish, the school, and the archdiocese alike.
The Allegations Against Deacon Frank Mullen
Deacon and Teacher
According to published records, Mullen was a deacon at Most Holy Trinity Parish and a teacher at Holy Redeemer Parish Elementary School. He was placed on leave in December 1993 after a complaint of abuse of a minor several years prior.
Laicized and Listed
The archdiocese’s status report of October 2009 noted that he had been laicized. He was included on the archdiocese’s list of accused clergy on June 10, 2019.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
The public record does not indicate whether criminal charges were ever filed against Deacon Mullen, who is reported to be living. Depending on the timing and evidence, a criminal referral may still be possible.
Civil claims follow separate rules and do not depend on a prosecution. A survivor may sue Mullen himself as well as the parish and archdiocese, particularly given his dual role as deacon and schoolteacher with direct access to children.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, civil sexual abuse claims are generally timely within ten years of the abuse or before the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no statute of limitations in Michigan.
An allegation dating to the early 1990s or earlier requires careful timing analysis. Survivors should speak with an attorney promptly rather than assuming the deadline has passed.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
White Law PLLC is ready to help survivors of abuse by Deacon Mullen. Call (517) 316-1195 for a free, confidential consultation.
Whether the abuser was a priest, deacon, brother, or teacher, your rights are the same. We will explain them clearly and without pressure.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.