Profile Facts
- Name
- Peter Minelli
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Marquette
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 2017
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Survivors across Michigan have come forward with reports of abuse by Catholic clergy, including Father Peter Minelli of the Diocese of Marquette. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC created this page to document the allegations against Father Peter Minelli and explain survivors’ options.
This profile walks through Father Peter Minelli’s ministry history, the public allegations against him, and the legal framework Michigan provides to survivors. It is written for anyone trying to make sense of what happened to them.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Marquette
The Diocese of Marquette is one of several Michigan dioceses examined during the state Attorney General’s sweeping 2018 investigation into clergy sexual abuse. As a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer for survivors, White Law PLLC has followed those findings closely, including the reports naming Father Peter Minelli.
Michigan’s Catholic landscape spans seven dioceses: Archdiocese of Detroit, Diocese of Lansing, Diocese of Grand Rapids, Diocese of Kalamazoo, Diocese of Saginaw, Diocese of Marquette, Diocese of Gaylord. Attorney General reports on these dioceses, including the Diocese of Marquette, have brought long-buried allegations like those against Father Peter Minelli into public view.
The Allegations Against Father Peter Minelli
What the Record Shows
Peter Minelli was a priest of the Diocese of Marquette. He was named in the Michigan Attorney General’s October 2022 final report on the Diocese of Marquette among the priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse. He was removed from ministry in 2014 and died in 2017.
What Comes Next
White Law PLLC is compiling the full profile of Father Peter Minelli. He is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him, but civil claims against his estate or the Diocese may still be available. Survivors with information about Minelli should consider speaking with an attorney.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
There are two different court systems that can address the abuse Father Peter Minelli is accused of. In a criminal case, prosecutors charge the offender and a conviction can mean incarceration. In a civil case, the survivor sues for damages. These tracks do not depend on each other.
Civil claims over Father Peter Minelli’s alleged abuse can name the priest himself, his estate if he is deceased, and the church institutions behind him. A diocese may face liability if it was aware, or should have been aware, of the risk yet failed to stop the abuse, concealed it, or neglected proper screening and training. Survivors can seek damages for medical and therapy bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, civil claims connected to abuse by Father Peter Minelli must generally be filed within ten years or before the survivor turns 28, whichever comes later. Criminal law is different: Michigan places no time limit on first-degree criminal sexual conduct prosecutions.
The psychological impact of abuse by someone like Father Peter Minelli often delays disclosure for years. Survivors may repress memories or struggle with trauma that makes coming forward extraordinarily difficult. Michigan’s statutes reflect this, but the sooner you explore your rights, the stronger your position.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
If Father Peter Minelli abused you, White Law PLLC is ready to listen. Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential conversation about your options,. You deserve answers, and you deserve justice.
Your call is private and obligation-free. We will listen to what happened with Father Peter Minelli, explain Michigan’s legal framework in plain terms, and help you decide on next steps.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.