Profile Facts
- Name
- Jerome M. Heyman
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Kalamazoo
- Order
- OSA
- Ordained
- 1961
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 2/19/2023
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Coming forward about abuse by Father Jerome M. Heyman or another member of the clergy takes extraordinary courage. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers guide Michigan survivors through every step, from the first confidential conversation to the resolution of a claim.
The profile below summarizes the public record concerning Father Jerome M. Heyman. Reading it may be difficult; support and legal options are within reach.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Kalamazoo
In 2018 the Michigan Attorney General began investigating sexual abuse by Catholic clergy throughout the state, covering the Diocese of Kalamazoo and Michigan’s six other dioceses: Archdiocese of Detroit, Diocese of Lansing, Diocese of Saginaw, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Diocese of Marquette, and Diocese of Gaylord. The resulting reports pulled back the curtain on abuse that church officials had kept quiet for generations. Reports concerning Father Jerome M. Heyman emerged from this statewide review.
If you suffered abuse by Father Jerome M. Heyman or otherwise connected to the Diocese of Kalamazoo, a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can review the public record with you and assess the legal options that may still be open.
The Allegations Against Father Jerome M. Heyman
Where He Served
Jerome M. Heyman was an Augustinian (OSA) ordained in 1961, according to published diocesan records. He was assigned in the Diocese of Kalamazoo from 1991 until his retirement in 2006, and later resided at a Home Glen, Illinois parish in the Diocese of Joliet.
What Was Reported
Published records indicate that Heyman was named publicly as accused by the Michigan Attorney General in its Diocese of Kalamazoo report of May 22, 2024. He was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward women. In a 2005 letter to Bishop Murray, he was accused of making sexual advances toward a woman and her 12-year-old granddaughter; Heyman allegedly tried to kiss the girl and said he wished he were 60 years younger. He agreed to resign that year after his 75th birthday, the normal retirement age. In 2011, another woman reported sexual misconduct by Heyman to the Diocese; the Diocese informed his order and asked that he curtail his trips to the Diocese of Kalamazoo and undergo counseling.
Heyman died on February 19, 2023, at age 91. He is no longer alive for criminal prosecution, but survivors may still pursue civil claims against his estate and the order.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
It helps to think of criminal and civil cases as two different roads. The criminal road is driven by the government and can end in jail or prison for an abuser such as Father Jerome M. Heyman. The civil road is driven by the survivor and can end in a settlement or verdict that funds therapy, medical care, and recovery.
These roads do not depend on each other. A survivor may file a civil lawsuit regardless of whether the state pursued criminal charges against someone like Father Jerome M. Heyman, and many do so years after the abuse.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Time limits matter, but they are not always the end of the story. Michigan’s §600.5805 gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse until ten years have passed or they turn 28 to bring a civil case, and first-degree criminal charges can be filed at any time, including in cases involving Father Jerome M. Heyman.
Because abuse-related trauma can suppress memories for years, the law provides doctrines that may extend filing deadlines. Survivors with claims tied to Father Jerome M. Heyman should not assume their window has closed without having a lawyer evaluate the specifics.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Even when the abuser has died, justice may still be available through claims against his estate and the church entities that supervised him. Liability often turns on what officials knew or should have known, whether they failed to prevent or covered up abuse, and whether they screened and trained clergy like Father Jerome M. Heyman responsibly.
Survivors bringing claims connected to Father Jerome M. Heyman can recover for medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Reach White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195, your consultation is free and completely confidential.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.