Profile Facts
- Name
- James M. Novak
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1957
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father James M. Novak was laicized in 2021 after decades of allegations that he sexually abused boys, some as young as third grade. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers assembled this profile from public records.
The Michigan Attorney General’s 2024 report describes Novak’s unusual method of allegedly hypnotizing victims, and documents that the diocese knew of his behavior yet kept him in ministry. If you were harmed by him, our attorneys want to hear your story.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
Novak served in the Diocese of Lansing, one of Michigan’s seven dioceses together with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. The Attorney General’s December 2024 report on the Diocese of Lansing details how long church officials were aware of his conduct.
When a diocese keeps a known risk in ministry, the institution’s liability becomes a central issue. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can explain how that documented knowledge strengthens a survivor’s civil case.
The Allegations Against Father James M. Novak
Decades of Allegations
According to published records, Novak was ordained in 1957 and retired to senior priest status in June 1997. A news article of August 24, 2010 reported that he had been accused of abuse and permanently removed from ministry. He appeared on the Lansing diocese’s list of credibly accused clergy of September 27, 2019, with multiple allegations noted. He was removed from ministry on November 25, 2002, and laicized on May 14, 2021.
The Attorney General’s Findings
The Michigan Attorney General’s December 2024 report on the Diocese of Lansing reveals that multiple boys, from third grade through age 18, were allegedly sexually abused by Novak. His reported method was to tell victims he was going to hypnotize them, which he was not trained to do, and then violate them while they were supposedly hypnotized. The diocese long knew of his behavior, yet kept him in ministry. Some alleged victims reported having been raped. Novak is also alleged to have similarly abused young adult men.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Father Novak is living, having been laicized in 2021, so criminal prosecution remains possible in principle for conduct within the applicable limitations periods. Civil litigation proceeds on its own track regardless.
A civil lawsuit can seek damages from Novak himself and from the Diocese of Lansing. The Attorney General’s finding that the diocese long knew of his behavior yet kept him in ministry is precisely the kind of institutional failure civil courts are designed to address.
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 before the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan imposes no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
With victims reportedly ranging from third-graders to young adults, timing analyses will differ from survivor to survivor. A confidential consultation is the reliable way to learn where you stand.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
If Father Novak abused you or a loved one, call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 for a free, confidential consultation. Our office is at .
The diocese knew, and kept him in ministry anyway. We will work to make sure that failure is answered for in court.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.