Profile Facts
- Name
- Patrick W. Egan
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1968
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
The allegations against Father Patrick W. Egan stand out for how the abuse allegedly occurred: under the guise of boxing. According to the Michigan Attorney General’s December 2024 report, Egan would allegedly have young men and teenagers hit him in the lower stomach, causing his arousal, and engaged in testicle-tapping he called “nut drills.” Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers built this page to document the sourced record on Egan, who came to the Diocese of Lansing from England in 1982 and was added to its credibly accused list in October 2023.
Egan’s faculties were revoked in March 2019, and diocesan investigators later found at least one allegation involving a minor credible. If he harmed you, the sections below describe what has been reported and what Michigan law may allow you to do.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
The Diocese of Lansing is one of seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan, together with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 investigation into clergy sexual abuse produced a dedicated report on Lansing in December 2024, detailing how allegations against priests like Egan were handled. As a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer, White Law PLLC studies these reports to build stronger cases for survivors.
The Egan record shows an allegation from the early 1990s that went uninvestigated until the case was reopened in 2003. Survivors abused in Lansing diocese parishes, schools, or boxing programs deserve to know what the diocese knew, and an attorney can help uncover it.
The Allegations Against Father Patrick W. Egan
Where He Served
Per published records, Egan was ordained for the Diocese of Westminster, England, and arrived in the Diocese of Lansing in 1982, where he worked for many years. He was restricted from ministry in the Lansing diocese, and in March 2019 his faculties were revoked after additional allegations surfaced.
What Survivors Reported
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s December 2024 report, Egan is the subject of multiple allegations of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and improper sexual contact. The abuse allegedly occurred under the guise of boxing: Egan would allegedly have young men and teenagers strike him in the lower stomach, causing his arousal, and engaged in tapping of testicles, or “nut drills.” An allegation received by the diocese in the early 1990s was not investigated until the case was reopened in 2003. Investigators hired by the diocese in 2019 determined that none of the accusers whose cases they reviewed were minors at the time, one alleged victim was 25. However, in July 2003 a man reported to Michigan State Police that Egan had repeatedly sexually assaulted him in 1987, when he was 17; no charges were filed because of the statute of limitations. In 2021, the diocese received a report from a man alleging sexual abuse by Egan during 2005–2009, when he was ages 14 to 18, at a school boxing club; the man did not wish to prosecute. The diocese found that allegation credible in October 2023 and added Egan’s name to its list of credibly accused clergy. Egan is believed to be living, so criminal and civil options may both remain available.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the offender and seeks punishment such as imprisonment. In a civil case, the survivor sues for financial compensation for injuries suffered. The two tracks are independent of each other.
Egan is believed to be alive, which means criminal prosecution may still be possible in addition to a civil lawsuit, depending on timing and evidence. Our attorneys can review both avenues with you.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 sets the civil deadline: generally ten years from the abuse or until the survivor turns 28, whichever comes later. There is no deadline for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges in Michigan.
Because trauma, fear, and memory suppression so often delay reporting, survivors should not assume they waited too long. The right step is to have a lawyer measure the time limits against your facts.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors may pursue the abuser directly and the diocese that employed him, particularly where the diocese received complaints, delayed investigating, or left him in contact with young people. Available damages can cover medical and counseling expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Reach White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or visit us at . Consultations are free and confidential, and there is no fee unless we win.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.