Profile Facts
- Name
- David H. Rocheleau
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Marquette
- Ordained
- 1962
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 2/27/1984
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Coming forward about abuse from decades ago takes courage, and the law is on your side. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC help Michigan survivors pursue justice no matter how much time has passed, with complete confidentiality.
Father David H. Rocheleau was ordained in 1962 and served in the Diocese of Marquette until his death in 1984. He was named publicly as accused in the Michigan Attorney General’s October 2022 report. This page summarizes the documented allegation and explains Michigan legal options for survivors.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Marquette
The Diocese of Marquette serves the Upper Peninsula as one of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, alongside the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Gaylord. The Michigan Attorney General’s statewide clergy-abuse investigation, launched in 2018, issued its Marquette report in October 2022, naming Rocheleau as accused.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors act on decades-old allegations, using official reports and church records to support a civil claim.
The Allegations Against Father David H. Rocheleau
The 2002 Report
According to published records, the Michigan Attorney General’s October 2022 report states that in 2002, a 53-year-old man reported to the diocese that Rocheleau had made sexual advances on him when he was between the ages of 10 and 13.
A Brief Record
Rocheleau, ordained in 1962, died in 1984, nearly two decades before the allegation was reported. His death means criminal charges can never be brought against him, but survivors may still file civil claims against his estate or the Diocese of Marquette.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Two court systems address abuse in different ways. Criminal courts allow the state to seek prison time for offenders. Civil courts allow survivors to seek money damages for their injuries. The civil case is filed by the survivor and moves forward regardless of whether a criminal case exists.
Church institutions can be sued in civil court as well. If diocesan leaders knew or should have known about abusive conduct and failed to prevent it, hid complaints, or skipped proper screening and training, the diocese may be liable.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan law, MCL §600.5805, gives survivors ten years, or until they turn 28, whichever is later, to bring a civil sexual abuse lawsuit. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no time limit. The extended civil deadline was designed for survivors who need years to overcome trauma and suppressed memories before reporting.
Still, each case has its own timing considerations, so consulting an attorney early is the safest approach.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors may recover compensation for the lasting effects of abuse, including medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. White Law PLLC handles these cases with discretion and determination, fighting for the accountability survivors deserve.
Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential case evaluation.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.