Profile Facts
- Name
- Richard A. Fritz
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Kalamazoo
- Ordained
- 1975
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Richard A. Fritz first made headlines in 2017, when he was charged with embezzling from his parishes, charges that were later dropped. More serious allegations followed: in February 2020, the Diocese of Kalamazoo announced it had received credible allegations that Fritz sexually abused a minor dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers built this page to compile the sourced record on Fritz, who was ordained in 1975 for the P.I.M.E. order and later incardinated into the Kalamazoo diocese.
Fritz is believed to be living, though forbidden to function as a priest. The sections below detail what has been reported and which legal options Michigan law may still provide.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Kalamazoo
The Diocese of Kalamazoo serves southwestern Michigan as one of the state’s seven dioceses, along with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 clergy-abuse investigation produced a May 2024 report on Kalamazoo that examined the Fritz allegations in detail. As a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer, White Law PLLC relies on these public reports to strengthen survivors’ claims.
The Fritz record indicates the diocese received a report in 2004 yet kept him in ministry for years. Survivors abused in Kalamazoo diocese parishes deserve to know the full history, and an attorney can help bring it to light.
The Allegations Against Father Richard A. Fritz
Where He Served
Per published records, Fritz was ordained in 1975 for the P.I.M.E. order and incardinated into the Diocese of Kalamazoo on November 24, 1981. He retired after the embezzlement allegations. He is noted to be forbidden to function as a priest and was included in April 2024 on the diocese’s list of those disqualified from working with children.
What Survivors Reported
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s May 22, 2024 report on Kalamazoo, the diocese received a report in 2004 that Fritz sexually abused a girl, ages 13 to 17, in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Law enforcement was notified on June 1, 2005, but no charges were filed due to the statute of limitations, and Fritz was apparently kept in ministry. In February 2020, the diocese announced it had received credible allegations of sexual abuse against Fritz dating to the late 1970s–early 1980s, without identifying the victims’ ages. In 2019 the Attorney General investigated, and the diocese’s Review Board deemed the allegations credible in February 2020. Separately, Fritz was charged in 2017 with embezzling from his parishes; those charges were dropped. Fritz is believed to be living, so criminal and civil options may both remain available, subject to Michigan’s time limits.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
When the state prosecutes, it seeks punishment, potentially including imprisonment, for the offender. When a survivor sues, the goal is financial compensation for the harm suffered. A survivor’s civil case can proceed even if prosecutors never file charges.
Fritz is believed to be alive, so both criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit may still be possible. Our attorneys can evaluate the facts and advise which claims remain timely.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally requires a civil sexual abuse lawsuit within ten years, or before the survivor turns 28, whichever date falls later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no statute of limitations under Michigan law.
The Fritz timeline shows how slowly institutions can move, a 2004 report, action only in 2020. Survivors should not let institutional delay become personal delay; speak with a lawyer about your deadlines.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
A diocese that keeps a priest in ministry after receiving abuse reports may face significant civil liability, particularly if it knew or should have known of the danger. Survivors can seek damages for medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
White Law PLLC is ready to listen: call (517) 316-1195. Your consultation is free and confidential, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.