LANSING (WWJ) - More criminal charges against priests in metro Detroit could come as soon as January.
In a statement about the clergy abuse investigation, Attorney General Dana Nessel says her office has made considerable progress and she fully expects several more charges will be announced, some as early as next month.
The attorney general's office has received more than 640 tips. The team looking into the allegations has identified more than 550 victims who have named 270 priests as abusers. Nessel predicts by the close of the investigation there will be thousands of victims.
At this time, 130 cases are being investigated or reviewed for potential charges. Of those cases, around 50 cases have been closed based on the Statute of Limitations or the deaths of the priests involved; 45 cases are actively being investigated; 25 cases have been referred back to the Diocese for other action.
Seven priests were charged earlier this year. Two priests -- Patrick Casey and Brian Stanley -- have pleaded guilty to the charges. One case was dismissed and the others are still working through the courts.
The status of the seven priests charged to date in the investigation is as follows:
- Joseph Baker – Trial begins February 20, 2020 in Wayne County Circuit Court. The Defendant is out on bond with a tether.
- Patrick Casey – Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on October 8, 2019. Sentenced November 20, 2019 to 45 days in jail, one year of probation and is required to attend sex offender counseling.
- Timothy Crowley – The case was dismissed in Washtenaw County District Court. The Department of Attorney General filed an appeal December 10, 2019.
- Vincent DeLorenzo – This case has been reassigned to Judge Christopher Odette. A preliminary exam is yet to be scheduled in Genesee County District Court. Defendant is out on bond.
- Neil Kalina – A preliminary exam has now been adjourned until January 28, 2020 at 1:30 PM in Macomb County District Court. Bond was reduced by 50 percent by Judge Douglas Shepherd to $50,000 cash surety or 10 percent, with a tether. The defendant remains in Macomb County Jail.
- Brian Stanley – Pleaded guilty to one felony count of Attempted False Imprisonment; faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2020.
- Jacob Vellian – Status unchanged.
