Profile Facts
- Name
- Francis McHugh
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Saginaw
- Order
- OPraem
- Ordained
- 1940
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 9/5/1998
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Francis McHugh was a Norbertine priest assigned to a Saginaw-area parish who was accused of sexually abusing a boy over several years. This profile from White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers gathers what the public record shows.
McHugh belonged to a religious order based in Wisconsin, which adds another layer for survivors to understand. Our attorneys have experience with claims involving religious orders and can explain who may be held responsible.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Saginaw
McHugh served at a parish in Essexville within the Diocese of Saginaw, one of Michigan’s seven dioceses alongside the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Lansing, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Attorney General’s June 2026 report on the Diocese of Saginaw addressed his case.
When the accused belongs to a religious order, more than one institution may share responsibility. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can identify every entity that might be liable for the abuse.
The Allegations Against Father Francis McHugh
A Norbertine in Essexville
Published records indicate that McHugh, ordained in 1940 for the Norbertines (OPraem), was assigned to an Essexville parish from 1954 to 1962. The Saginaw diocese named him publicly as accused on its list of April 10, 2019, noting one allegation. He was also included on the St. Norbert’s Abbey list of July 19, 2019, the Chicago archdiocese’s list of October 2022, and the Illinois Attorney General’s report of May 2023. McHugh died on September 5, 1998.
The Account in the 2026 Report
The Michigan Attorney General’s June 2026 report on the Diocese of Saginaw states that in 2002, a man told the diocese McHugh had sexually abused him at ages 12 to 17, from 1953 to 1959. McHugh was assigned during that period to St. John’s in Essexville. The diocese informed the abbey’s superior.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Father McHugh died in 1998, so criminal charges can no longer be brought against him. Prosecution is off the table nearly three decades after his death.
Civil remedies may still exist against the Norbertine abbey, the diocese, or both. Religious orders can be liable for the priests they assign, and dioceses can be liable for the parishes where the abuse occurred.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, civil sexual abuse claims are generally due within ten years of the abuse or by the survivor’s 28th birthday, whichever is later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no limitations period in Michigan.
Abuse alleged from the 1950s presents obvious timing challenges, but survivors should still seek a legal opinion. Doctrines and legislative changes can sometimes open doors that once seemed shut.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
If Father McHugh abused you or a family member, call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 for a free, confidential consultation. Our office is at .
We will review your case with care and without pressure, and we will tell you plainly what the law may allow.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.