Profile Facts
- Name
- Augustine Cops
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Order
- OFM Cap
- Ordained
- 1986
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Augustine Cops, a Capuchin friar originally from the Netherlands, was publicly named by his own religious province as the subject of substantiated sexual abuse allegations. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers compiled this profile from church disclosures and attorneys general reports so survivors have the facts in one place.
Cops is reported to be living, and his assignments spanned Michigan and Illinois. This page summarizes what has been published about him and outlines the legal options Michigan survivors may still have.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
Detroit’s archdiocese is home to the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, whose friars serve across the Midwest, a reminder that Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses (Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw) are interconnected with religious orders that move priests across state lines. The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 investigation sought records from dioceses and orders alike. As a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer, White Law PLLC tracks disclosures from both.
When an order publicly substantiates allegations, that disclosure itself can become important evidence. An attorney can explain how to use church admissions and attorneys general reports to support your claim.
The Allegations Against Father Augustine Cops
Where He Served
Published records indicate that Cops, a native of the Netherlands, joined the Capuchin Order as a friar in 1959 and was ordained a priest in 1986. In October 2020 the St. Joseph Province Capuchins publicly named him as the subject of substantiated allegations; his entry is listed under Detroit, where the province is based. He was also assigned to a parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago from 1986 to 1988, appeared on Chicago’s list in October 2022, and was included in the Illinois Attorney General’s report of May 23, 2023.
What Survivors Reported
The Capuchin province’s 2020 list described the allegations against Cops as substantiated, though public details of individual claims remain limited. His inclusion in both the Chicago archdiocesan list and the Illinois Attorney General’s report indicates the allegations span his ministry beyond Michigan. Cops is reported to be living, which means criminal prosecution may still be possible, and civil claims are available regardless.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal and civil cases serve different purposes: the state pursues criminal charges to punish, while survivors file civil suits to recover compensation. A survivor’s civil case moves forward on its own timeline and does not require a criminal conviction.
Because Cops is reported to be alive, the door to criminal charges remains open, Michigan sets no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Civil claims against Cops, the Capuchin province, or a diocese may also be pursued by survivors.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 gives survivors of sexual abuse ten years from the abuse, or until age 28, whichever is later, to file a civil lawsuit. There is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan.
Many survivors of abuse by religious-order priests do not come forward until midlife, when memories resurface or news reports validate what happened. Do not assume your claim expired; an attorney can calculate your deadlines precisely.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Religious orders and dioceses may face liability where they knew or should have known of a priest’s misconduct, by ignoring complaints, shuffling him between assignments, covering up reports, or failing to screen and train clergy. Damages in these cases may include medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Speak with White Law PLLC in confidence at (517) 316-1195,. Your consultation is free and you owe nothing unless we win.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.