Profile Facts
- Name
- Charles J. Strelick
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Marquette
- Ordained
- 1956
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 4/7/2017
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
If Father Charles J. Strelick abused you or someone you love, the clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC are here to help. This profile summarizes what has been publicly reported about him.
Read on for a summary of Father Strelick’s assignments, the reports made against him, and the paths to justice under Michigan law. He passed away on 4/7/2017, which means no criminal case can now be brought against him personally. Civil claims, including claims against responsible institutions, may still go forward.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Marquette
Father Strelick’s ministry unfolded in the Diocese of Marquette, which is one of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses. Across Michigan, Catholic life is organized into seven dioceses: Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, one of which assigned Father Strelick.
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 Strelick. The findings underscored why survivors need counsel: a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can determine whether the Diocese of Marquette protected Father Strelick instead of children.
The Allegations Against Father Charles J. Strelick
Where He Served
Father Charles J. Strelick, ordained in 1956, served in the Diocese of Marquette, including as pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Ishpeming. He died on April 7, 2017.
What a Survivor Reported
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s October 2022 report, a man told the diocese in August 2020 that Strelick had sexually abused him at age 8 in 1991 during confession. The man said he had told Strelick that two older boys had sexually abused him, and that Strelick then touched him, made him perform oral sex, and did other ‘weird things.’ Published accounts of Father Strelick documents the confession-booth abuse reported in 2020.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Survivors of Father Strelick should know that criminal and civil cases are independent of each other. 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 Strelick’s case.
The Criminal Process
In a criminal case arising from reports like those against Father Strelick, the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and a conviction can mean prison, fines, and sex-offender registration.
Civil Lawsuits
Through a civil claim, survivors of Father Strelick can hold both the abuser and the institutions that enabled him financially accountable.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
The civil statute of limitations in Michigan (MCL §600.5805) generally allows ten years from the abuse, or until the survivor’s 28th birthday, to bring a claim against Father Strelick.
There is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan. Survivors of Father Strelick 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 his estate to the diocese itself. If the Diocese of Marquette knew or should have known Father Strelick 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 Strelick. 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.