Michigan AG office accuses 51 priests of sexual misconduct

By: Mark Tanos

Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report Monday naming 51 priests accused of sexual abuse and misconduct in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

The report covered allegations claiming priests committed sexual misconduct against children and adults dating back to Jan. 1, 1950, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office (MAGO). Of the 51 priests listed, 38 were ordained or incardinated by the Grand Rapids diocese.

“Accountability does not end with criminal prosecution,” Nessel said. “Accountability includes transparency, acknowledgement, and a commitment to believing in and supporting victims.”

The report is the fifth of seven planned releases examining alleged abuse by clergy across Michigan’s Catholic dioceses. Nessel’s office previously issued reports on the dioceses of Marquette, Gaylord, Kalamazoo, and Lansing. Reports on Saginaw and the Archdiocese of Detroit remain pending.

@miattygen Dana Nessel today announced the release of a report by the Department of Attorney General concerning allegations of sexual abuse and other sexual misconduct that took place in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Read more at https://t.co/dxzt42l1CY pic.twitter.com/AGeDkLRcNA

— Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (@MIAttyGen) December 15, 2025

Authorities launched the investigation in October 2018 when 42 Michigan State Police troopers, five officers from other agencies, and 15 Department of the Attorney General special agents carried out search warrants at all of the Michigan dioceses. They secured 220 boxes of paper documents and over 3.5 million digital files, according to the MAGO.

For Grand Rapids specifically, investigators reviewed 60 boxes holding roughly 150,000 documents as well as 271,975 electronic files, authorities said. The AG tipline received 105 tips related to the diocese.

None of the 11 criminal prosecutions filed statewide have involved priests from Grand Rapids. Prosecutors have secured convictions in nine cases and justice on behalf of 38 survivors.

Bishop David John Walkowiak of Grand Rapids addressed the report in a press conference on Monday, CBS News reported.

“I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies,” Walkowiak told survivors. “I am sorry that a church leader in whom you placed your trust misused his power and abused you.”

Of the 51 priests identified as allegedly behind sexual misconduct, 37 are known or believed to be deceased, according to the report. The 14 accused who are living or believed to be living priests are no longer conducting “active ministry” in Grand Rapids.

The Daily Caller reached out to the Diocese of Grand Rapids for comment.

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