Profile Facts
- Name
- Brian L. Stanley
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Kalamazoo
- Ordained
- 1996
- Status
- Guilty plea
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers represent survivors of abuse by Father Brian L. Stanley across Michigan. Below is a summary of the public record on the allegations against him.
We have organized this page around Father Stanley’s assignments, the reported misconduct, and the remedies Michigan law provides. With no reported date of death, the possibility of criminal charges remains, as does the right to file a civil case for damages.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Kalamazoo
The Diocese of Kalamazoo, where Father Brian L. Stanley held assignments, is one of seven dioceses covering Michigan. Across Michigan, Catholic life is organized into seven dioceses: Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, one of which assigned Father Stanley.
In 2018 the Michigan Attorney General launched a statewide investigation into clergy sexual abuse, seizing records from all seven dioceses, the kind of review that surfaced reports like those against Father Stanley. The findings underscored why survivors need counsel: a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can determine whether the Diocese of Kalamazoo protected Father Stanley instead of children.
The Allegations Against Father Brian L. Stanley
Where He Served
Father Brian L. Stanley, ordained in 1996, served in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, including at St. Margaret’s parish. He is forbidden to function as a priest and appears on the diocese’s 2024 list of those disqualified from working with children.
Guilty Plea and Reports
In August 2019, the Michigan Attorney General announced charges of false imprisonment against Stanley. According to published records, Stanley had been placed on leave in 2013 after an allegation that he held a teenage boy against his will in the janitor’s room at St. Margaret’s, wrapping the boy in plastic wrap and covering his eyes and mouth with masking tape. The boy’s parents had reportedly asked Stanley to counsel him. The Attorney General stated that diocesan records showed this behavior had been occurring for ‘decades’ and was sexually motivated. Police investigated in 2013 but no charges were filed, and Stanley was reinstated, then removed again in January 2017 after more allegations. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on January 27, 2020, to 60 days in jail, five years of probation, and 15 years on the sex offender registry (he was reportedly later removed from the registry due to a ruling in another case). The Attorney General reported that three other victims had come forward, one alleging abuse at age 13. He is included in the Michigan Attorney General’s June 22, 2024 report on the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
A single report of abuse can set two kinds of cases in motion, and they do not depend on one another, including where Father Stanley is concerned. The state pursues criminal cases to punish the offender, while civil lawsuits aim to compensate the survivor for what was taken from them, the dual framework surrounding Father Stanley’s case.
Criminal Prosecution
In a criminal case arising from reports like those against Father Stanley, the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and a conviction can mean prison, fines, and sex-offender registration.
Civil Claims for Damages
Through a civil claim, survivors of Father Stanley can hold both the abuser and the institutions that enabled him financially accountable.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan legislators set the civil filing deadline at MCL §600.5805: generally ten years, extending to the survivor’s 28th birthday, for claims like those against Father Stanley.
There is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan. Survivors of Father Stanley also frequently need years to process trauma before coming forward, so even older cases deserve a legal review.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Liability can extend past him to the diocese itself. If the Diocese of Kalamazoo knew or should have known Father Stanley posed a risk, and failed to prevent the abuse, buried complaints, or supervised him carelessly, survivors can name the institution in the suit.
Available damages can cover medical and therapy bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress for survivors of Father Stanley. Call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 for a confidential case review.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.