Profile Facts
- Name
- Jack J. Leipert
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Saginaw
- Ordained
- 1975
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
It takes real courage for survivors to talk about abuse by a member of the clergy. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC provide confidential consultations to help Michigan survivors understand their options.
This page summarizes the reported allegations against Father Jack J. Leipert, a priest of the Diocese of Saginaw who was permanently removed from ministry and laicized in 2006. According to published diocesan records and the Michigan Attorney General’s Saginaw report, the diocese deemed credible allegations that he sexually abused multiple boys and young men throughout his priesthood. These are accusations. Survivors may explore civil options with White Law PLLC in confidence.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Saginaw
The Diocese of Saginaw is one of seven dioceses in Michigan, along with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Marquette, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, and Kalamazoo. The Attorney General’s investigation, launched in 2018, issued its Saginaw report in June 2026, detailing allegations against Father Leipert spanning his entire priesthood. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors understand how the report’s findings support a civil claim.
By 2004, the diocese knew of allegations involving 14 victims, six of them ages 13 to 17. When complaints accumulate over decades and a priest remains in ministry, the diocese’s failure to act can become the foundation of institutional liability.
The Allegations Against Father Jack J. Leipert
Removal and Laicization
Published records indicate that Jack J. Leipert was ordained in 1975. He was publicly named by the Saginaw bishop in April 2018 as a former priest permanently removed from ministry due to credible allegations of sexually abusing minors. His faculties had been withdrawn in June 2001, and he was laicized in 2006. He was also included in 2022 on the Diocese of Superior’s list of credibly accused, where he had served as a transitional deacon in 1972.
What the Reports Describe
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s June 2026 Diocese of Saginaw report, the allegations describe the sexual abuse of multiple boys and young men by Leipert throughout his priesthood. By 2004, there were known allegations involving 14 victims: six ages 13 to 17, one 17 or 18, and the rest ages 18 to 23. Leipert admitted in 2005 to being sexually active with young men, most of them over 18. Additional allegations were reported in 2019, 2020, and 2022. In one earlier matter, a man who accused Leipert in 2000 received a settlement from the diocese. These remain accusations except where admissions are noted, and each survivor’s experience may support an individual civil claim.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Survivors of clergy abuse generally have two legal avenues. A criminal prosecution is brought by the state, requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and seeks to punish the offender. A civil lawsuit is brought by the survivor, requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence, and seeks financial compensation.
Criminal Cases
Prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges, and many reports of clergy abuse never result in prosecution, particularly when allegations involve adults or date back decades.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits give survivors control of their own cases. They may name the priest and the diocese, especially where the church knew of numerous allegations over many years, paid a settlement, and still failed to protect others.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan law, at §600.5805, generally gives survivors of sexual abuse ten years from the abuse, or until age 28, whichever is later, to file a civil lawsuit. There is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan.
Survivors abused as teenagers and young men often take years to come forward. Shame, confusion, and the influence priests hold over young people can delay disclosure significantly. An attorney can evaluate the timeline of your case and advise whether a claim may still be filed.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Financial compensation through a civil lawsuit can cover therapy and medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Survivors may bring claims against the priest and against the diocese or institution whose leaders knew or should have known of the abuse, failed to prevent it, concealed it, or failed to properly screen, train, and supervise clergy.
To speak confidentially with White Law PLLC about abuse by Father Leipert or any member of the clergy, call (517) 316-1195. The firm’s office is located at .
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.