Profile Facts
- Name
- Austin Schlaefer
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Order
- OFM Cap
- Ordained
- 1951
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 6/19/1992
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
When a religious order’s own audit confirms reports of abuse, survivors deserve to know their legal rights. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC help Michigan survivors act on exactly this kind of documented evidence, with full confidentiality.
Father Austin Schlaefer was a Capuchin friar (OFM Cap) ordained in 1951 who worked in Milwaukee, Detroit, and Chicago. A 2013 Capuchin audit identified him as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of sexually abusing minors. This page summarizes the reported record and Michigan legal options for survivors.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit is the largest of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, which also include the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Gaylord, and Marquette. The Michigan Attorney General’s statewide clergy-abuse investigation, begun in 2018, has worked alongside diocesan disclosures and religious-order audits to document the scope of abuse.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can use an order’s own admissions, like the Capuchin audit, as powerful evidence in a civil lawsuit.
The Allegations Against Father Austin Schlaefer
The Capuchin Audit
Published records indicate that Schlaefer was identified in a June 18, 2013 Capuchin audit report as a deceased friar with confirmed reports of the sexual abuse of minors. He died on June 19, 1992 in Saginaw, Michigan, and had worked in Milwaukee, Detroit, and Chicago during his ministry.
Named in Three Jurisdictions
Schlaefer was included on the Saginaw diocese’s list by August 9, 2019. His name was added in October 2022 to the Chicago archdiocese’s list of credibly accused priests, and he was included in the May 23, 2023 Illinois Attorney General’s Report. Because he died in 1992, criminal prosecution is no longer possible, but survivors may still pursue civil claims against his estate, his religious order, or the dioceses where he served.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Two legal systems respond to abuse, and they do different work. Criminal prosecution, controlled by the state, can imprison an offender. Civil litigation, controlled by the survivor, can award compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The civil case does not depend on the criminal one.
Religious orders as well as dioceses can be civilly liable. When leaders knew or should have known of the danger and failed to prevent the abuse, concealed it, or neglected proper screening and training, Michigan law may hold the institution accountable.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under MCL §600.5805, Michigan survivors have ten years, or until age 28, whichever is later, to file a civil sexual abuse claim. First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries no time limit. The extended civil window was written for survivors whose trauma and suppressed memories delay reporting for years.
Even with this extended window, the deadline is fact-specific, so prompt legal advice best protects a survivor’s ability to file.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Documented admissions of abuse, like the Capuchin audit’s findings on Father Austin Schlaefer, can form the foundation of a strong civil case. Survivors may recover compensation for therapy and medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. White Law PLLC will put the documented record to work for you.
Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential consultation. Michigan survivors have a steadfast ally in White Law PLLC.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.