Profile Facts
- Name
- Edmund S. Borycz
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Order
- OFM
- Ordained
- 1968
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 1/8/2018
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Edmund S. Borycz, a Franciscan friar ordained in 1968, was accused of sexually abusing five youths between 1963 and 1987, and police were aware of an allegation as early as 1987, though the file was sealed. The Vatican placed him on permanent inactive status with no privileges in 2006, and he died in 2018. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers detail the record here.
When even law enforcement knew and a file was sealed, survivors can feel the system failed them twice. Civil litigation offers a separate forum where survivors control the case and the evidence comes into the open.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit is Michigan’s largest diocese, one of seven statewide alongside Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Attorney General’s 2018 investigation reviewed the archdiocese’s handling of accused priests including Borycz, who appears on its June 10, 2019 credibly-accused list. Our firm serves as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer for survivors throughout the state.
Borycz also served as a military chaplain from 1989 to 2001, giving him access to yet more young people. Attorneys pursuing these cases must trace every assignment, and we do.
The Allegations Against Father Edmund S. Borycz
Where He Served
Borycz was a Franciscan (OFM) ordained in 1968 who worked in Detroit and Livonia parishes and served the Archdiocese of Military Services from 1989 to 2001. He was placed on leave in July 2002 and placed on permanent inactive status with no privileges by the Vatican in June 2006. He died on January 8, 2018. His name appears on the Erie diocese’s April 6, 2018 list and the Detroit archdiocese’s June 10, 2019 list.
What Survivors Reported
According to published records, Borycz was accused of abusing five youths between 1963 and 1987. Police knew of an allegation in 1987, but the file was sealed. Because he died in 2018, criminal prosecution can no longer be brought, but the archdiocese’s and Erie’s public listings of Borycz as accused provide documented acknowledgment supporting civil claims.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
A criminal case seeks the offender’s punishment and is brought by prosecutors. A civil lawsuit seeks the survivor’s compensation and is brought by the survivor. The sealed 1987 police file shows the criminal system knew of Borycz decades ago; it did not produce accountability.
Father Borycz died in 2018, so he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him. Civil claims against the archdiocese or the Franciscan order, however, remain a live option for survivors.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, civil sexual abuse lawsuits are generally timely if filed within ten years or before the victim’s 28th birthday, whichever is later. Michigan imposes no statute of limitations on first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Sealed files and silent institutions kept many survivors in the dark for decades. The extended civil deadline exists for survivors like them, have an attorney evaluate your timeline before concluding anything.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
An archdiocese or religious order that knew of abuse allegations, as police did here as early as 1987, yet kept a friar in ministry may be liable for subsequent harm. Survivors can pursue damages for medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or . Consultations are free, confidential, and without obligation.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.