Profile Facts
- Name
- Thomas W. Butler
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1982
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 5/3/2018
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
In December 2012, a man accused Father Thomas W. Butler of sexually abusing him at ages 16 and 17 between 1978 and 1980. Butler admitted to a sexual relationship with the accuser, but claimed it occurred later, when the man was an adult. Ordained in 1982 for the Diocese of Lansing, Butler died in 2018 and was included in the Attorney General’s December 2024 Lansing report. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers summarize the documented record here.
Disputes over timing do not erase the underlying admission of a sexual relationship. Survivors deserve an attorney who will investigate the facts rather than accept the diocese’s conclusions.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
Lansing is one of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, alongside the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Attorney General’s Lansing report of December 2024 includes Butler among its accused priests. Our firm represents survivors across Michigan as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer.
When a bishop deems an allegation “false” yet keeps the priest in ministry after treatment, survivors may question the thoroughness of the review. Civil courts apply their own standards of proof, and their own scrutiny.
The Allegations Against Father Thomas W. Butler
Where He Served
Butler was ordained in 1982 and served in the Diocese of Lansing. After the 2012 accusation, he was sent to treatment; Bishop Boyea decided the allegation of abuse when the accuser was a minor was false, and Butler was kept in ministry. He died on May 3, 2018.
What Was Reported
According to published records, a man accused Butler in December 2012 of sexually abusing him at ages 16–17 from 1978 to 1980. Butler admitted to a sexual relationship with the accuser during 1983–1985, when he said the man was an adult. He was included in the Michigan Attorney General’s December 2024 Diocese of Lansing report. Because Butler died in 2018, criminal prosecution is no longer possible, but the documented admission and the Attorney General’s inclusion remain available to support civil claims.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal cases require prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; civil lawsuits require survivors to prove their claims by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower bar. The bishop’s internal finding does not bind a civil court.
Father Butler died in 2018, so he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him. A civil claim against the Diocese of Lansing, however, can proceed on the documented record, including Butler’s own admission.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally allows civil sexual abuse lawsuits within ten years or until the victim turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan imposes no statute of limitations on first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Survivors should not treat a diocese’s internal exoneration as the end of the matter. An independent attorney can assess the evidence under civil law’s distinct standards.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
A diocese that keeps a priest in ministry after a sexual-misconduct admission may be liable for negligent supervision and for any subsequent harm. Survivors can seek damages for therapy and medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Get in touch with White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or drop by . We offer no-cost, private consultations with zero pressure to proceed.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.