Motion to dismiss lawsuit against former St. Mary’s priest scheduled for Friday

MICHIGAN
Central Michigan Life

By Johnathan Hogan

A motion hearing to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former Central Michigan University student against the former priest at St. Mary’s University Parish is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. June 10.

Megan Winans is suing Father Denis Heames for alleged abuse that occurred while the two had a sexual relationship between 2012 and 2014.

The lawsuit was filed January 14. A new lawsuit was submitted after Heames was removed as a defendant from the original lawsuit, said a courthouse official.

The lawsuit claims Heames committed battery, defamation, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit names the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Saginaw as a defendant, alleging negligent supervision and retention. The diocese and St. Mary’s, are also being sued for vicarious liability. The lawsuit also names Trudy McCaffery.

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