Profile Facts
- Name
- William Thomas
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1978
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 7/23/2007
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
White Law PLLC, a firm of clergy sexual abuse lawyers, represents Michigan survivors abused by Father William Thomas. What follows is the public record of the accusations against him.
We have organized this page around Father Thomas’s assignments, the reported misconduct, and the remedies Michigan law provides. Because he died on 7/23/2007, criminal prosecution of him is no longer possible. Survivors may still bring a civil claim, and White Law PLLC can evaluate the options.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
The Diocese of Lansing, where Father William Thomas held assignments, is one of seven dioceses covering Michigan. The seven, Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, span the state where Father Thomas served.
The 2018 Attorney General investigation into clergy sexual abuse pulled records from dioceses across the entire state, shedding light on cases such as Father Thomas’s. What investigators uncovered makes legal guidance essential, and a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can assess whether the Diocese of Lansing bears responsibility for what Father Thomas is reported to have done.
The Allegations Against Father William Thomas
Where He Served
Father William Thomas was ordained in 1978 at age 40 for the Diocese of Lansing, after working as a high school teacher. His assignments included a 1984 posting to the Notre Dame Jerusalem Center, service as the diocese’s representative to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal beginning in July 1986 while on the Lansing Catholic Central faculty, and a move to the Diocese of Wurzburg, Germany, in 1989, where he was incardinated. He returned to Lansing in 2004 and was re-incardinated, becoming pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Hamburg. He died of Legionnaire’s disease on July 23, 2007, during a trip to Germany.
What Was Reported
According to published records, in 2005 an employee of Holy Spirit Parish discovered child abuse images on a rectory computer, along with multiple related websites in the browsing history and evidence of substantial time spent on them. One site allegedly showed ‘boys being violated by men for the first time.’ Thomas was placed on leave in October 2005; he told the bishop he had been viewing the images for ‘research.’ In November 2005 the bishop sent a report of grave offenses to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Thomas moved to his cottage in the Diocese of Gaylord, and police investigators found the computer’s hard drive had been ‘cleansed.’ No criminal prosecution resulted. Separately, a woman told the diocese she was concerned that her 16-year-old son was being groomed by Thomas: the boy had keys to the rectory, spent some nights there, and received gifts and school tuition from Thomas. Thomas remained on leave, still titular pastor of Holy Spirit, when he died, and his congregation was never told why he had been placed on leave.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
A single report of abuse can set two kinds of cases in motion, and they do not depend on one another, including where Father Thomas is concerned. Criminal courts decide guilt and impose sentences; civil courts decide liability and award damages to survivors, including survivors of Father Thomas.
Criminal Prosecution
Prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges connected to Father Thomas, and a conviction can bring prison time, fines, and registration, though never payment to the survivor.
Civil Claims for Damages
A civil lawsuit by a survivor of Father Thomas is filed by the survivor, uses the lower ‘preponderance of the evidence’ standard, and can result in money damages.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan legislators set the civil filing deadline at MCL §600.5805: generally ten years, extending to the survivor’s 28th birthday, for claims like those against Father Thomas.
Michigan places no time limit on first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. Given how trauma and suppressed memories can postpone disclosure, survivors abused by Father Thomas decades ago should still seek advice.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Beyond his estate, survivors can pursue the institutions that put him in contact with children. Where the Diocese of Lansing knew or should have known about Father Thomas, failed to act, hid the truth, or failed to screen and train, it may share legal responsibility.
Compensation for survivors of Father Thomas may include medical and therapy expenses, damages for pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Reach White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or in person at .
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.