Fr. Michael C. O’Brien

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Seattle WA

In 1993 a teenage boy complained that O’Brien sexually abused him during a 1991 canoe trip. O’Brien was placed on leave and police notified. Police could not substantiate the allegations and the Archdiocese allowed him to return to work at the same parish. Reassigned to a new parish in 1999. Placed on leave in 2004 when the Archdiocese reopened the investigation. Returned to assignment within a month. Placed on leave for third time in 7/2008 due to allegations from the 1960s. Laicized at own request in 2/2010. Included on the archdiocese’s list 1/15/2016. Settlement 7/16/2020 of claims of abuse of a boy at St. Michael’s in Snohomish, where O’Brien was pastor 1974-1979.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.