Profile Facts
- Name
- Frank M. Lenz
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Marquette
- Ordained
- 1969
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Allegations of sexual abuse by clergy surface years, sometimes decades, after the harm occurred. If you or someone you love was hurt by Father Frank M. Lenz, the clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC can explain your legal options in a confidential consultation.
This page summarizes the reported allegations against Father Lenz, a priest of the Diocese of Marquette who was placed on administrative leave in 2018 over an allegation the diocese deemed credible. According to published records, the Vatican was later unable to establish his guilt or innocence, and he was returned to ministry under restrictions. These are accusations, which Father Lenz has denied. Survivors may still explore civil options with White Law PLLC.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Marquette
The Diocese of Marquette, covering Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is one of seven dioceses in the state, along with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Saginaw, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Attorney General’s investigation, launched in 2018, released an October 2022 report on the Marquette diocese that included Father Lenz. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can explain how the report’s findings relate to a potential civil claim.
Cases where the church cannot resolve the question of guilt or innocence leave survivors in limbo. Civil courts apply a different standard than church tribunals, and a survivor’s claim does not depend on the Vatican’s conclusion.
The Allegations Against Father Frank M. Lenz
Leave and Vatican Review
Published records indicate that Frank M. Lenz was ordained in 1969 and retired in 2007. He was placed on administrative leave on April 2, 2018, after the diocese received an allegation it deemed credible of sexual misconduct with a girl in the 1970s. Lenz denied the allegations and was included on the diocese’s accused list in December 2018. In October 2020, the diocese announced that the Vatican was unable to establish Lenz’s guilt or innocence, and he was returned to ministry under restrictions.
What the Attorney General’s Report Describes
Father Lenz was included in the Michigan Attorney General’s October 2022 report, which notes that his accuser said the abuse occurred when she was in grades 3 through 5, during visits to a horse farm, and that her friends were similarly abused. There was no criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations. These remain accusations. Where other children may have been harmed, additional survivors coming forward can strengthen everyone’s understanding of what happened.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Clergy abuse cases can proceed in criminal court, civil court, church tribunals, or any combination, and each uses different standards. A criminal prosecution requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt and seeks punishment. A civil lawsuit requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence and seeks compensation. A Vatican review follows canon law, not civil law.
Criminal Cases
No criminal prosecution occurred here because of the statute of limitations. Criminal deadlines often expire before survivors are able to report.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits are decided under civil law, not canon law, and a church tribunal’s inconclusive result does not bar a survivor’s claim. Survivors may sue the priest and the diocese, particularly where the diocese itself deemed the allegation credible enough to remove the priest from ministry.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally requires civil sexual abuse lawsuits to be filed within ten years of the abuse or before the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan imposes no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, though other criminal time limits can apply.
Survivors who were young children in the 1970s often did not disclose until adulthood, if ever. Trauma, confusion, and the trust children place in priests all contribute to delay. An attorney can review the facts and advise whether a civil claim may still be brought.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors filing civil lawsuits may seek damages covering therapy and medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Claims can name the priest and the diocese or institution where officials knew or should have known of the abuse, failed to prevent it, covered it up, or neglected proper screening, training, and supervision of clergy.
If Father Lenz abused you or a loved one, contact White Law PLLC for a confidential consultation at (517) 316-1195. The firm is located at .
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.