Diocese of Kalamazoo Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Kalamazoo Diocese, a prominent religious institution in southwest Michigan, has played a vital role in fostering spiritual growth and education. However, like many others, the Diocese of Kalamazoo sexual abuse allegations have cast a shadow over its mission.

These allegations not only underscore the harm inflicted on survivors but also highlight systemic issues within the diocese’s handling of clergy abuse cases. As survivors step forward with their accounts, the need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform has become increasingly clear.

The Michigan clergy abuse attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team are committed to helping survivors in the Kalamazoo Diocese seek justice and healing. Our dedicated approach ensures that survivors have the support and advocacy they need to move forward.

Background and Influence of the Diocese of Kalamazoo

The Diocese of Kalamazoo, established in 1971, serves as the spiritual center for over 80,000 Catholics across nine counties in southwest Michigan. Anchored by St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo, the diocese oversees numerous parishes, schools, and community programs, making it a cornerstone of faith and education in the region.

Led by Bishop Paul J. Bradley since 2009, the diocese has focused on fostering community engagement and promoting Catholic values. Its outreach programs and educational initiatives have significantly influenced the region’s spiritual and cultural development.

Despite its contributions, the diocese has faced scrutiny due to both historical and recent clergy sexual abuse cases, revealing systemic failings in addressing misconduct.

Clergy Abuse Allegations Within the Kalamazoo Diocese

The Diocese of Kalamazoo has faced numerous allegations of abuse involving clergy members, with reports spanning several decades.

One notable case involved Joseph Comperchio, a former music teacher and drama instructor at St. John the Evangelist School in Jackson, Michigan, during the 1970s and 1980s. Though Jackson falls under the Diocese of Lansing, Comperchio later worked for the Kalamazoo Diocese in an administrative capacity. 

In 2020, he was charged with multiple counts of sexually assaulting children during his time as a teacher, following victim interviews and a police investigation that uncovered multiple credible reports.

Comperchio was accused of sexually abusing at least two boys, including a five-year-old child, in school settings. He was ultimately convicted on six felony counts, including second-degree criminal sexual conduct and attempted false imprisonment. 

Prosecutors revealed that the abuse took place under the guise of Catholic School drama rehearsals or activities, and some incidents occurred in rooms with doors locked or barricaded, contributing to the severity of the charges.

At the time of his arrest, he was living in Lansing and working in communications. Comperchio died in March 2023, shortly after beginning his prison sentence. 

His case highlighted failures in past child protection policy enforcement and brought renewed attention to lay personnel working in Catholic schools, especially those who were not ordained but still had regular access to children through school programs.

Priests Accused of Sexual Misconduct in the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo

The list of Michigan priests accused of sex abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo includes:

• Fr. Richard A. Fritz
• Fr. Jerome M. Heyman
• Fr. Thomas G. Lapine
• Fr. David C. Otto
• Fr. Gary William Pamment
• Fr. Brian L. Stanley
• Fr. Jacob Vellian
• Fr. Leroy E. White

Attorney General’s Report and Investigation into the Diocese of Kalamazoo

In May 2024, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a comprehensive report detailing decades of abuse within the Kalamazoo Diocese. The investigation identified 19 priests accused of sexual misconduct since the diocese’s establishment in 1971, with 12 directly associated with the Kalamazoo Diocese.

Among the clergy sexual abuse cases highlighted in the Michigan Attorney General’s report, two priests faced legal action.

In 2019, Rev. Brian Stanley was charged with false imprisonment after allegedly restraining a teenage boy in a janitor’s room at St. Margaret Church in 2013. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years of probation.

Rev. Lawrence C. Vellian, formerly of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Benton Harbor, was charged in May 2019 with two counts of rape under previous criminal sexual assault statutes. In November 2023, the Department was notified that Vellian likely passed away while awaiting extradition from India, but formal confirmation from the Department of State is pending.

The Michigan Attorney General’s report also acknowledges that many allegations could not lead to prosecution due to the statute of limitations, the death of the accused, or other legal constraints. Nonetheless, the publication of these findings serves to acknowledge the victims’ experiences and the systemic issues within the diocese.

The Diocese’s Role in Enabling Abuse or Cover-Ups Based on Attorney General Nessel’s Report

The Kalamazoo Diocese has been criticized for systemic failures in addressing abuse allegations, which allowed misconduct to persist over decades:

• Failure to Act: Despite knowing about allegations, such as those against Father Dennis Boylan in the 1980s and early 2000s, the diocese failed to take decisive action, allowing Boylan to remain in active ministry for years.
• Inadequate Oversight: In cases like Father Brian Stanley, who later pled guilty to false imprisonment, the diocese did not adequately monitor clergy behavior, resulting in further harm.
• Delayed Reporting: Reports of abuse often went unreported to civil authorities. In some instances, the diocese offered counseling or financial assistance without notifying law enforcement, prioritizing internal handling of abuse cases over legal accountability.
• Secrecy: Allegations were frequently kept confidential, as seen in the case of Msgr. Leonard Bogdan, where conditions were imposed on his ministry without public disclosure.

These patterns reveal a long-standing institutional failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of parishioners. Survivors and advocates continue to call for greater transparency, independent oversight, and meaningful reform.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse Within the Diocese of Kalamazoo

Survivors of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Kalamazoo have legal options to seek justice and accountability.

They may report abuse to law enforcement, which can result in criminal charges, although statutes of limitations might limit prosecution in some cases. Michigan has extended the timeframe for certain sexual abuse and assault claims, giving survivors renewed opportunities to pursue justice.

Additionally, survivors can file civil lawsuits against clergy members or the diocese to seek financial compensation for the harm they endured. These civil actions often emphasize the diocese’s negligence in failing to prevent or adequately address abuse.

Beyond legal avenues, survivors may access counseling and trauma recovery programs, with financial support provided by the diocese.

Injury Lawyer Team is dedicated to providing compassionate and experienced legal support to survivors of clergy abuse within the Diocese of Kalamazoo. We understand the complexities involved in these cases and work tirelessly to ensure survivors’ voices are heard and justice is served.

We advocate for survivors at every step, from conducting thorough investigations to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation. Operating on a contingency fee basis, our clergy sex abuse attorneys ensure that survivors can seek justice without worrying about upfront costs, and clients only pay if the case is successfully resolved.

We can help you file claims against:

• Archdiocese of Detroit
• Diocese of Gaylord
• Diocese of Grand Rapids
• Diocese of Lansing
• Diocese of Marquette
• Diocese of Saginaw

How Long Do Sexual Assault Victims Have to Take Legal Action Against the Kalamazoo Diocese?

Survivors of sexual abuse and assault involving the Diocese of Kalamazoo—whether by priests ministering, lay employees, or former personnel—have specific timeframes to take legal action, depending on whether they’re pursuing criminal charges or filing a civil lawsuit.

Under current Michigan law (MCL 600.5851b), survivors of direct sexual abuse that occurred when they were under 18 have until age 28 to file a civil lawsuit. Alternatively, they have 3 years from the date of “discovery”—meaning when they connected the harm they experienced to the abuse—whichever is later. 

This rule applies even if the abuse happened decades ago, which is common in past or present cases involving the Church.

This means that someone abused as a child in the 1980s or 1990s may still be able to sue today, depending on when they first understood the long-term impact of the abuse. These laws apply to a wide range of abuse, including physical abuse, exposure to child pornography, and other forms of sexual misconduct.

Although civil courts require evidence, including documents or witness statements, Michigan law no longer automatically bars older cases based solely on the date of the abuse, especially in cases involving religious institutions, where allegations disclosed years later are common. 

Paper documents, electronic documents, and even open source media (e.g., archived news or prior complaints) are often used to support a case.

For criminal charges, Michigan allows prosecutors to bring charges at any time for first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor (under MCL 767.24(1)(b)). This covers many of the most serious abuse cases, including those involving repeated molestation or abuse by someone in authority, such as a church organist or clergy.

For other offenses—such as second-degree criminal sexual conduct or attempted false imprisonment—there are longer statutes of limitations than in the past, often up to 15 years from the incident or the survivor’s 28th birthday. Prosecutors may also act beyond those limits if there is DNA evidence, a self-admission, or if the case involves a previously unknown perpetrator.

Law enforcement may execute a search warrant to uncover hidden records, especially if there’s reason to believe priests ministering were involved in covering up abuse or failing to prevent abuse. 

These investigations often focus on investigation aims such as uncovering concealed transfers, prior complaints, or internal disciplinary actions handled through canon law proceedings rather than public reporting.

Not all individuals named in past cases have been proven guilty in court, and under U.S. law, they remain presumed innocent unless convicted. Still, the Diocese of Kalamazoo has released names of those with credible allegations, often following internal review or external pressure. These disclosures have helped empower survivors and identify cases that may still be within legal time limits.

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse by a priest, teacher, or lay employee connected to the Diocese, it may still be possible to report allegations and pursue criminal charges or civil compensation. Legal professionals familiar with Michigan’s evolving statute laws can help assess your options.

Secure Expert Legal Representation

If you or someone you know has suffered from clergy abuse in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Injury Lawyer Team can help. We understand the lasting impact of such experiences and are committed to offering compassionate, professional support throughout the legal process.

Our experienced team provides free, confidential consultations to discuss your situation and guide you through your options. With no upfront fees, you only pay if we successfully resolve your case. Seeking justice not only helps survivors heal but also promotes accountability and institutional change. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.