A former Michigan priest, Timothy Crowley, has been sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty to sexually abusing an altar boy over three decades ago. The sentencing took place on Wednesday in Washtenaw County, following Crowley’s guilty plea in August to two felony counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. As part of his sentence, Crowley will also serve five years of probation.
The charges against Crowley stem from incidents of sexual misconduct that allegedly occurred between 1986 and 1990 at three different Catholic churches – Jackson’s St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Hillsdale’s St. Anthony Catholic Church, and Ann Arbor’s St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. The victim, who was a 10-year-old altar boy for Crowley at St. Mary’s in Jackson in 1982, testified that his family had encouraged him to spend time with the priest, believing him to be a good role model.
According to the victim’s testimony, Crowley would touch him inappropriately and encourage him to sleep in bed together, claiming that it was normal and natural. In 1993, the victim’s family contacted an attorney, and the Lansing Diocese ultimately paid $200,000 to the accuser. Crowley was defrocked in 2015.
Previous charges against Crowley were dismissed in October 2019 due to the six-year statute of limitations at that time. However, state prosecutors appealed the decision, and an appeals court agreed to reinstate four of the eight sexual misconduct charges that Crowley originally faced.
This case highlights the long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of seeking justice, even when many years have passed since the crimes were committed. The sentencing of Timothy Crowley serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or the amount of time that has elapsed. The survivor’s bravery in coming forward and the actions taken by law enforcement and the court system demonstrate a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable individuals within our society.
