Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Dec. 15 released a comprehensive report detailing decades of alleged sexual abuse and misconduct by clergy associated with the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, concluding that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the diocese.
The report, spanning more than 300 pages, documents allegations dating back to 1950 against 51 priests in the diocese. According to the Attorney General’s Office, 37 of the accused priests are deceased, and none of the living priests named in the report are currently in active ministry.
“The allegations are summarized here, and their inclusion does not reflect a determination by the Department that the allegations are credible or otherwise substantiated or indicative of a crime,” the report states.
State investigators identified 152 victim-survivors connected to the 51 accused priests. Fourteen of the allegations involved adults rather than minors. While those cases may represent violations of Church standards, they do not constitute crimes under Michigan law, the Attorney General’s Office said. The investigation found no allegations involving minors against priests who are presently serving in the diocese.
Most of the alleged abuse of minors occurred before 2002, with the highest concentration reported during the 1970s. Across all allegations, no criminal charges were filed, largely due to expired statutes of limitations, the deaths of many accused priests, some allegations involving adults, or victims choosing not to pursue prosecution.
Nessel said the purpose of releasing the report extends beyond criminal prosecution. She emphasized the importance of transparency, public accountability, and acknowledging victims’ experiences, even when legal action is no longer possible.
Bishop David Walkowiak said on his diocese’s website that the Diocese of Grand Rapids cooperated fully with the investigation and apologized to victims.
“While it is difficult for our Church to face the harsh reality contained in this report, it provides a necessary opportunity for us to move forward,” Walkowiak said.
The diocese stated that more than 1,000 priests served it over the 75-year period covered by the investigation. Church officials noted that the absence of allegations involving minors and active clergy demonstrates the effectiveness of safeguards implemented since 2002, following the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
According to the diocese, it has passed annual independent child safety audits conducted by StoneBridge Business Partners every year since 2002. The most recent one was in August 2025. The diocese also reported that it has regularly referred allegations of abuse to law enforcement and prosecutors, including the Attorney General’s Office since 2018.
The diocese said it continues to offer counseling and support services through its victim assistance program.
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