Profile Facts
- Name
- Daniel C. Aerts
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Ordained
- 1977
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Daniel C. Aerts, ordained for the Diocese of Grand Rapids in 1977, admitted in 2002 to sexual misconduct with a teenage boy in the late 1970s. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC created this profile so survivors can learn exactly what has been documented about Aerts, who was permanently removed from ministry and named in the Michigan Attorney General’s Grand Rapids report.
Even where criminal prosecution was barred by the statute of limitations, civil justice may remain available. The sections below describe the allegations, the diocese’s response, and the legal avenues Michigan survivors can still explore.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
The Diocese of Grand Rapids is one of seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan, alongside the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Gaylord, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 investigation produced a dedicated report on Grand Rapids, released December 15, 2025, cataloging decades of allegations. As a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer, White Law PLLC relies on these official reports when building cases for survivors.
If you were harmed by a priest in the Grand Rapids diocese, the Attorney General’s findings may corroborate your experience. An attorney can compare your account against the documented record and advise you on next steps.
The Allegations Against Father Daniel C. Aerts
Where He Served
Published records indicate that Aerts was ordained in 1977 and assigned to St. Thomas and Holy Spirit parishes in Grand Rapids. In April 2002, he admitted to sexual misconduct with a boy, ages 14 to 16, in the late 1970s while serving at those parishes.
What Survivors Reported
According to the documented accounts, the boy had sought counseling from Aerts regarding same-sex attraction, and Aerts, along with his male lover, introduced the teen to sexual activity, including sadomasochism. Another boy, age 16, was reportedly involved as well. Aerts was also accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy in 1977 at the Holy Spirit rectory. After a victim wrote to him in 2002, Aerts forwarded the letter to the diocese, resigned his position, and was permanently removed from ministry. The bishop stated there had been no prior knowledge of abuse. Aerts was included in the Michigan Attorney General’s December 15, 2025 Grand Rapids report, and no criminal prosecution occurred due to the statute of limitations.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal Cases
Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state and can lead to jail or prison for the offender. In Aerts’s case, prosecutors did not bring charges because the statute of limitations had expired, a common outcome for abuse committed decades ago.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits are filed by survivors and seek monetary damages rather than punishment. Even when criminal charges are time-barred, a civil claim against the diocese or the priest may still proceed under Michigan’s civil deadlines, which differ from the criminal rules.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 allows survivors to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit within ten years, or until the victim turns 28, whichever period is longer. Michigan places no time limit on first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
Because many survivors need years to process what happened, waiting to come forward is normal and understandable. The key question is whether your civil window is still open, and only a careful review of your dates can answer it.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
A diocese can be held accountable when it put a known or suspected abuser in contact with children, failed to screen or train its priests, or concealed complaints instead of acting on them. Damages available to survivors may cover counseling and medical treatment, pain and suffering, and lasting emotional distress.
Speak with White Law PLLC today at (517) 316-1195. Consultations are free and confidential, and we only collect a fee if we win compensation for you.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.