Profile Facts
- Name
- Walter J. Lezuchowski
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Ordained
- 1959
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 12/29/2006
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Here is what has been publicly reported about Father Walter J. Lezuchowski, an Archdiocese of Detroit priest accused of sexually abusing a minor. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers compile these profiles to give survivors one reliable place to find the facts.
The archdiocese barred Lezuchowski from parish ministry in 1991, yet he later resurfaced in active ministry at a Clinton Township parish. Survivors who encountered him during those years may still have legal options worth exploring in a private, no-cost consultation.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit is the largest of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, which also include Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. When the Michigan Attorney General launched a statewide investigation of clergy abuse in 2018, the archdiocese’s files became part of a sweeping review of how abuse reports were handled.
Survivors abused anywhere in Michigan deserve counsel who understands both the church’s internal processes and the state’s civil justice system. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our firm can review what happened and explain the remedies that may be available.
The Allegations Against Father Walter J. Lezuchowski
Removed, Then Back in Ministry
Published records indicate that Father Lezuchowski, ordained in 1959, was barred from parish ministry in 1991 after the archdiocese determined that allegations he had sexually abused a girl over the age of 16 were credible. He was sent for treatment.
A Second Complaint and a Permanent Ban
In 2002, another criminal complaint was made against him. By then, Lezuchowski had been actively ministering for five years at St. Ronald’s in Clinton Township. The archdiocese said it had no idea he was still working in ministry. He was immediately suspended, and in 2005 he was permanently banned from ministry. He died on December 29, 2006.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Father Lezuchowski died in 2006, so criminal prosecution is no longer possible. Survivors sometimes assume that means nothing can be done, but the civil justice system exists precisely for situations like this.
A civil case can seek compensation from the institutions that employed, supervised, or protected an accused priest. Where a diocese knew of credible allegations and failed to act, it may bear legal responsibility for the harm that followed.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Legislature §600.5805, survivors generally have ten years from the abuse, or until they turn 28, to file a civil claim, whichever date is later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries no statute of limitations in Michigan.
Delayed disclosure is the norm, not the exception, in clergy abuse cases. Many survivors need years to process what happened before they can speak about it. An attorney can evaluate the timeline and determine whether the law still permits a filing.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
White Law PLLC represents survivors of clergy abuse throughout Michigan. To discuss your options confidentially and without charge, call (517) 316-1195.
Every survivor’s story matters. We handle these cases with care, and we will never pressure you to take a step you are not ready for.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.