16 Priests Targets of New Abuse Probe in Michigan
The Wayne County prosecutor said Thursday that his office is opening investigations of 16 priests suspected of sexual misconduct.
The Archdiocese of Detroit last week gave prosecutor Mike Duggan’s office files containing allegations by 50 people against 37 priests.
Duggan said the statute of limitations is expected to be an obstacle in most of the cases. The cases go as far back as 1943, and all but two involved incidents from at least 10 years ago.
At least 15 Roman Catholic priests in Michigan, including six in the Detroit archdiocese, have been removed, suspended or have left their duties since Jan. 1 amid sexual abuse allegations.
In addition to the 37 priests identified in archdiocese files, three other priests have been named by people who directly called the prosecutor’s office to make accusations.
A spokesman said the archdiocese is cooperating with investigators.
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