Fr. Gary D. Berthiaume

Ordained: 1968
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Detroit MI

Convicted in 1978 of the abuse of two minors in Detroit. Served six months in jail, then transferred to the Cleveland diocese, where he allegedly offended again. A Detroit victim filed a civil suit in 1983. Another lawsuit in 1999 alleged abuse in the 1980s. Berthiaume was moved in 1988 to the Joliet diocese, where he was allowed to work as a hospital chaplain by Bishop Imesch until 2002. The two had worked together at a MI parish in the 1970s. Living in an IL retreat house as of 2002. Laicization announced in 11/07. Included on the Detroit archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/19. On Cleveland’s list 6/21/19. Arrested in IL in 9/20 on charges of sexual assault in 1977 of a boy, age 14, at his Farmington MI parish. Charges in MI in two more cases in 6/21, also for abuse in the 1970s. Pleaded guilty in 11/21. Admitted in court to sexually abusing young boys and changed his plea to no contest in 1/22. Sentenced to 20 months to 15 years in prison.

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