Profile Facts
- Name
- Timothy J. Murray
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Ordained
- 1977
- Status
- Guilty plea
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Timothy J. Murray pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges in 2013 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, after earlier being accused of sexual misconduct with a boy. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers prepared this profile from the public record.
Murray’s case involves both an abuse allegation early in his ministry and a later federal conviction. Survivors connected to either chapter of his history may have civil claims worth exploring.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
Murray served in the Archdiocese of Detroit, the largest of Michigan’s seven dioceses, which also include Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Attorney General’s clergy abuse investigation, launched in 2018, has run parallel to federal enforcement efforts against child exploitation.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors understand how a criminal conviction relates to a civil lawsuit, and what additional compensation the civil system may provide.
The Allegations Against Father Timothy J. Murray
Early Allegation and Removal
According to published records, Murray, ordained in 1977, was placed on administrative leave without privileges in August 2004 because of a substantive allegation of sexual misconduct with a boy early in his ministry. The archdiocese reported the abuse to the district attorney’s office, but no prosecution resulted because of the statute of limitations. He was permanently removed from public ministry per the archdiocese’s status report of October 2009.
Federal Conviction
In December 2012, Murray was arrested on federal charges of downloading and viewing child pornography. He confessed, pleaded guilty in July 2013, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison on January 23, 2014. He appears on the archdiocese’s June 10, 2019 list of credibly accused clergy.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Father Murray was convicted in federal court and is serving a 15-year sentence, so the criminal system has already addressed his child pornography offenses. The earlier abuse allegation, however, was never prosecuted because of the statute of limitations.
A criminal conviction does not compensate survivors, which is what civil lawsuits are for. A survivor abused by Murray may bring a civil claim against him and against the archdiocese, seeking damages the criminal case could not provide.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally allows civil sexual abuse claims within ten years of the abuse or until the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no statute of limitations in Michigan.
A documented conviction can strengthen a related civil case considerably. Survivors should speak with counsel about how the federal case record might support their claims.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
If Father Murray abused you, call White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 for a free, confidential consultation. Our office is at .
A conviction in criminal court does not end your story. We can help you pursue the civil justice you are still owed.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.