Profile Facts
- Name
- Shamaun Beas
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Ordained
- 1994
- Status
- Convicted
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Shamaun Beas came to the Diocese of Grand Rapids from Pakistan in 1999, after his own bishop warned of a “big scandal” involving a student and misappropriated parish funds. In 2004 he was arrested in an internet sting targeting someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl, convicted in 2005, and ultimately deported to Pakistan in 2010. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC outline his documented history below.
Beas’s convictions are matters of court record. Survivors abused by Beas in Michigan may still pursue civil claims against the diocese that accepted him despite explicit warnings.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is one of seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan, alongside the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Gaylord, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 investigation encompassed all seven; the Grand Rapids report of December 15, 2025, includes Beas. White Law PLLC represents survivors throughout the state as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer.
Beas’s case raises stark questions about vetting: the diocese accepted an extern priest after being told of a scandal and stolen funds. Civil discovery can uncover exactly what decision-makers knew.
The Allegations Against Father Shamaun Beas
Where He Served
Beas was ordained in 1994 in the Diocese of Faisalabad, Pakistan. After Bishop Coutts of Faisalabad asked Grand Rapids to take him, disclosing a “big scandal” involving an affair with a female high school student and misappropriated parish money, Beas was accepted into the Grand Rapids diocese for three years beginning in 2000. He served at parishes including St. Patrick’s in Portland, Michigan.
What Was Established
Per published records, complaints mounted quickly: in June 2002, parishioners reported inappropriate behavior toward middle-school girls and others, and Beas was sent for evaluation and counseling. On May 24, 2004, he was arrested in an internet sting after soliciting sex from someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl; his faculties were removed the next day. He was convicted and sentenced to 5 to 20 years in March 2005, later received another sentence for the sexual abuse of a girl, withdrew a guilty plea to additional charges in another county in July 2008, and was sentenced to 16–24 more months in October 2008 for abusing two sisters. He was deported to Pakistan in July 2010. In September 2018, a woman told the diocese Beas had abused her at St. Patrick’s in Portland. These convictions are court-established facts.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal Cases
The state prosecuted Beas, securing convictions and prison sentences before his deportation. Criminal cases punish offenders but do not pay survivors’ therapy bills.
Civil Lawsuits
Survivors file civil lawsuits to recover damages, medical and counseling costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress. A diocese that accepted a priest despite written warnings of scandal may face liability for what followed, and a prior conviction strengthens such a claim.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 gives survivors ten years, or until age 28, whichever is longer, to bring a civil sexual abuse claim. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no time limit in Michigan.
Because Beas’s Michigan ministry was relatively brief, survivors may not realize the diocese connection. If he harmed you, an attorney can promptly evaluate your deadlines.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
When a diocese admits a priest after being warned of prior misconduct and fails to supervise him, it may be directly liable for resulting abuse. Survivors can pursue compensation for treatment expenses, suffering, and lasting emotional harm.
Contact White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or . Your consultation is free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.