Profile Facts
- Name
- John Steven Rabideau
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Saginaw
- Order
- OMV
- Ordained
- 1990
- Status
- Convicted
- Died
- 5/30/2014
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Some abusers flee rather than face what they did. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC make sure Michigan survivors are heard no matter how far an abuser ran, pursuing compensation and accountability through the civil courts.
Father John Steven Rabideau, an Oblate of the Virgin Mary (OMV) ordained in 1990, fled the country after being accused of abusing three boys, was later extradited from Colombia, and pleaded no contest to child sex abuse charges in 2006. This page summarizes the reported record and survivors’ legal options under Michigan law.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Saginaw
The Diocese of Saginaw, where Rabideau was prosecuted, is one of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses. The others are the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Gaylord, and Marquette. Michigan’s Attorney General launched a statewide clergy-abuse investigation in 2018, and the Saginaw diocese publicly listed Rabideau as accused in 2019.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors understand how a criminal conviction strengthens, but is not required for, a civil lawsuit seeking damages.
The Allegations Against Father John Steven Rabideau
Flight and Extradition
Published records indicate that Rabideau was accused in 1998 of abusing three boys, ages 6 to 14, between 1985 and 1987, when he was still a seminarian. He had been studying in Boston and Rome, and the reported abuse occurred during visits home to the Saginaw area. A warrant was issued for his arrest in 1998, and he fled the country. His order had suspended him in 1992 and dismissed him in 1997. He was reportedly serving as an active priest in the Philippines in 2004 before being arrested in Colombia in 2006 and extradited to Michigan.
No-Contest Plea and Sentence
Rabideau pleaded no contest to three charges, with other charges dropped, and was sentenced in October 2006 to 5 to 10 years in prison on child sex abuse charges. He was included on the Saginaw diocese’s list on August 9, 2019; he was prosecuted in the diocese although he had never served there. He died on May 30, 2014 at age 52 in a bicycling accident. With his death, no further criminal action is possible, but survivors may still bring civil claims against his estate, his former order, or the diocese.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
A criminal conviction punishes the offender; a civil judgment compensates the survivor. These are separate proceedings with separate standards, and a survivor’s lawsuit for damages can move forward whether or not the criminal case ended in conviction.
Religious orders and dioceses can be civilly liable as well. Where leaders knew or should have known of the risk and failed to prevent the abuse, concealed it, or neglected proper screening and training, Michigan law may hold the institution accountable alongside the abuser.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan law gives survivors of sexual abuse ten years, or until age 28, whichever is later, to file a civil claim under MCL §600.5805. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no time limit. The extended civil window was designed for cases like these, where trauma and memory suppression delay reporting for years.
Even with generous deadlines, the exact cutoff depends on the facts, so survivors should consult an attorney promptly.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors of Father John Steven Rabideau’s reported abuse may be entitled to compensation for medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A civil case can also ensure the full story becomes part of the public record. White Law PLLC is ready to help you pursue every available remedy.
Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential consultation. We stand with Michigan survivors.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.