Profile Facts
- Name
- Jonathan Wayne Wehrle
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1978
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 3/31/2020
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
This page profiles Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle, ordained in 1978, a priest of the Diocese of Lansing accused of sexually abusing children. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC help Michigan survivors pursue accountability, and the sections below summarize the public record on Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle.
Here we set out the known ministry history of Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle, the allegations reported against him, and how Michigan courts handle clergy abuse claims. If you recognize your own story here, please know that help exists.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
The Diocese of Lansing was among the Michigan dioceses whose files were reviewed after the Attorney General’s 2018 clergy-abuse investigation began. White Law PLLC works as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer for survivors whose abuse occurred in parishes, schools, and rectories like those tied to Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle.
The state’s seven dioceses, Archdiocese of Detroit, Diocese of Lansing, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Diocese of Kalamazoo, Diocese of Saginaw, Diocese of Marquette, Diocese of Gaylord, have each faced scrutiny over their handling of abuse claims. Reports issued by the Attorney General, including the one covering the Diocese of Lansing, form part of the public record on Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle.
The Allegations Against Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle
Where He Served
Jonathan Wayne Wehrle was ordained in 1978 and served as a priest of the Diocese of Lansing, per published diocesan records. He was reportedly a foster parent from 1983 to 2003 and raised three adopted sons. In 2017 he was placed on leave over charges that he had embezzled more than $5 million from his parish; he died in March 2020 before facing trial.
What Survivors Reported
Published records indicate that in February 2019, a man told the Michigan State Police that Wehrle sexually abused him as a 14-year-old high school freshman in 1999. The man said he asked Wehrle to pick him up one night after he had been drinking and felt ill, and that Wehrle took him to his bedroom and performed oral sex on him; the alleged victim did not want to prosecute.
In June 2020, another man reported to law enforcement that Wehrle sexually abused him, including sodomy, at age 14 or 15 during sleepovers at Wehrle’s house, and that he believed Wehrle had spiked the warm milk he was given with Xanax.
Wehrle died in 2020, so criminal charges can no longer be pursued against him. Survivors may still have civil claims against his estate or the Diocese of Lansing.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Survivors often ask whether they should pursue a criminal case, a civil case, or both after abuse by someone like Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle. A criminal case is brought by the state and can lead to prison time for the offender; a civil lawsuit is filed by the survivor and seeks financial compensation. The two paths are independent, one can proceed even if the other cannot.
Michigan civil courts allow survivors to sue both the individual abuser and the institutions that enabled him. That means claims connected to Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle can target his estate as well as the diocese or religious order, particularly where leaders knew or should have known of the danger, failed to prevent it, covered up reports, or screened and trained clergy inadequately. Damages can include medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
The civil filing window in Michigan comes from Michigan Legislature §600.5805, ten years, or until the survivor reaches 28, and it applies to abuse by clergy such as Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle. Criminal accountability works differently: the state faces no deadline for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
Survivors frequently need years to process what a priest like Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle did to them. Trauma can fragment or hide memories, and fear of not being believed keeps many silent. The extended deadlines in Michigan law exist precisely for this reason, and an early conversation with an attorney costs nothing to explore.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
The attorneys at White Law PLLC have dedicated their practice to survivors of abuse by clergy such as Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle. Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential discussion of your legal options.
Your conversation with us is confidential and free of pressure. An experienced lawyer can evaluate what happened with Father Jonathan Wayne Wehrle and outline the path toward accountability for him and the institutions involved.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.