Profile Facts
- Name
- Gary William Pamment
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Kalamazoo
- Ordained
- 1963
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 6/10/2008
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
The road to justice after clergy abuse begins with a single conversation. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC make that conversation safe, private, and free of pressure for Michigan survivors.
Father Gary William Pamment was ordained in 1963 and served in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. He was named publicly as accused in the Michigan Attorney General’s 2024 Kalamazoo report following allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Read on for the reported details and a plain-language explanation of Michigan legal options.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Kalamazoo
The Diocese of Kalamazoo covers southwest Michigan as one of the state’s seven Catholic dioceses. The others are the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Lansing, Gaylord, and Marquette. Michigan’s Attorney General began a statewide investigation of clergy sexual abuse in 2018, and the Kalamazoo report followed in May 2024.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can assess how the Attorney General’s documented findings, together with diocesan records, support a survivor’s claim for compensation.
The Allegations Against Father Gary William Pamment
Concerning Letters to Parents
Published records indicate that Pamment was named as accused in the Michigan Attorney General’s May 22, 2024 Kalamazoo report. In 1999, the parents of a nine-year-old boy told the bishop they were concerned about Pamment’s behavior toward their son. In letters to the parents between 1997 and 1999, he wrote things like “I love [your boy] so much and enjoy his company” and “Special hugs, kisses and caresses for my ‘little pal.” Pamment died on June 10, 2008.
The 2014 Allegation
In 2014, the diocese received an allegation that Pamment had sexually abused a young altar boy at St. Mary’s Visitation Church in the 1980s, beginning shortly after the boy’s first communion and confession. The reported abuse included anal and oral rape. The diocesan review board determined in 2015 that there was not enough evidence to find the allegation credible, though the diocese offered to investigate further. Because Pamment died in 2008, criminal charges are no longer possible, but civil claims against his estate or the diocese may still be pursued.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Two separate legal systems address sexual abuse. The criminal system allows the state to prosecute and imprison offenders. The civil system allows survivors themselves to sue for damages covering their injuries and losses. The civil lawsuit belongs to the survivor and proceeds independently of criminal proceedings.
Dioceses and parishes can be defendants in civil cases as well. Where church leaders knew or should have known of a priest’s misconduct yet failed to prevent it, hid reports, or failed to screen and train properly, the institution may bear legal responsibility.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
MCL §600.5805 sets Michigan’s civil deadline for sexual abuse claims at ten years, or until the survivor turns 28, whichever comes later. There is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Lawmakers extended the civil period because trauma and memory suppression so frequently delay a survivor’s ability to report.
Even so, the exact cutoff varies with the facts of each case, so talking with a lawyer early helps ensure no deadline is missed.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors may seek compensation for the many ways abuse has affected their lives: medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and ongoing emotional distress. A lawsuit can also shine a light on institutional failures, helping protect others. White Law PLLC pursues these cases with both skill and heart.
Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential case evaluation, or visit us at . We stand with Michigan survivors.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.