Profile Facts
- Name
- Patrick Casey
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Status
- Convicted
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
This page profiles Father Patrick Casey, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit 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 Patrick Casey.
Here we set out the known ministry history of Father Patrick Casey, 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 Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit 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 Patrick Casey.
The state’s seven dioceses, Diocese of Marquette, Diocese of Gaylord, Archdiocese of Detroit, Diocese of Lansing, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Diocese of Kalamazoo, Diocese of Saginaw, have each faced scrutiny over their handling of abuse claims. Reports issued by the Attorney General, including the one covering the Archdiocese of Detroit, form part of the public record on Father Patrick Casey.
The Allegations Against Father Patrick Casey
What the Record Shows
Patrick Casey was a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit assigned to St. Theodore of Canterbury Parish in Westland, according to reporting on the Michigan Attorney General’s clergy abuse investigation carried by published diocesan records. He was charged in Wayne County with third-degree criminal sexual conduct for initiating oral sex with an adult who was attempting to make confession in 2013. As the jury deliberated, Casey pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced in November 2019 to 45 days of incarceration and one year of probation.
What Comes Next
White Law PLLC is compiling the full profile of Father Patrick Casey, including additional assignment history and the complete public record. Survivors with information about Casey are encouraged to come forward, an attorney can explain how his guilty plea and the underlying allegations may affect potential claims.
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 Patrick Casey. 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 Patrick Casey 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 Patrick Casey. 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 Patrick Casey 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 Patrick Casey. 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 Patrick Casey 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.