Profile Facts
- Name
- Jude T. Ellinghausen
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Ordained
- 1958
- Status
- Sued
- Died
- 12/11/2023
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Jude T. Ellinghausen’s ministry ended in June 2002, when old allegations found in his personnel file by a county prosecutor forced his retirement with restricted ministry. A male complainant then came forward to allege that Ellinghausen had abused him as a child for three years in the 1970s, while Ellinghausen was pastor of St. Jude in Detroit. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers prepared this page to present the sourced record on Ellinghausen, who was ordained in 1958, named in a civil suit, and laicized in 2005.
Ellinghausen died on December 11, 2023, so he can no longer face criminal charges. As explained below, civil claims against his estate or the Archdiocese of Detroit may still be available to survivors.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit leads Michigan’s seven dioceses, Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, in size and in the number of accused priests identified. When the Michigan Attorney General began investigating clergy abuse statewide in 2018, diocesan personnel files like the one that ended Ellinghausen’s career became central evidence. White Law PLLC represents survivors throughout Michigan as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer.
In Ellinghausen’s case, the allegations were deemed too old for criminal prosecution, a common outcome that makes civil claims even more important. An attorney can examine what the archdiocese’s files show about who knew what, and when.
The Allegations Against Father Jude T. Ellinghausen
Where He Served
According to published records, Ellinghausen was ordained in 1958 and served in the Archdiocese of Detroit, including as pastor of St. Jude in Detroit. He retired with restricted ministry in June 2002 after a county prosecutor discovered old allegations in his personnel file. His laicization was announced in 2005, and he died on December 11, 2023.
What Survivors Reported
Published accounts state that the allegations in Ellinghausen’s file were too old to support criminal charges. After his retirement, a male complainant alleged that Ellinghausen sexually abused him as a child over three years in the 1970s while pastor of St. Jude in Detroit. Ellinghausen was named in a civil suit. On June 10, 2020, the Archdiocese of Detroit included him on its public list of credibly accused clergy. Because he died in 2023, he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him, but survivors may still seek civil remedies.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
A criminal prosecution aims to punish the offender through the justice system, with jail or prison as possible penalties. A civil lawsuit aims to compensate the survivor financially for the damage done. Either can proceed without the other.
Ellinghausen died in 2023, so criminal charges against him are no longer possible. A civil case against his estate or the archdiocese, however, can still move forward under Michigan law.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, a civil sexual abuse suit must generally be brought within ten years, or before the survivor’s 28th birthday, whichever is later. Michigan sets no time limit for charging first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
It is common for survivors to remain silent for years while trauma and suppressed memories take their toll. Silence does not necessarily mean the courthouse door is closed, speak with a lawyer before concluding otherwise.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Claims may be brought against the abuser’s estate and against the archdiocese, especially where church officials were aware, or should have been aware, of prior complaints yet kept the priest in ministry. Damages may include medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To talk through your options, call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or come to . The consultation is free, and we collect no fee unless we win your case.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.