Sex Abuse Accounts Involving Retired Priest, 83, Are Credible, Archdiocese Says

Rev. Robert Witkowski (WDIV slide)

Rev. Robert Witkowski, 83, a Detroit-area priest who retired in 2013, is restricted from any public ministry due to credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors, the Archdiocese of Detroit announces:

Effective October 9, 2018, Fr. Robert Witkowski, 83, a senior (retired) priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, has been restricted from any public ministry due to credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. In addition, his name has been added to the Archdiocese’s list of clergy credibly accused of abuse.

The Archdiocesan Review Board has deemed credible allegations involving Fr. Witkowski, dating back to the early years of his ministry. The Detroit archdiocese shared the allegations with civil authorities. A further determination on the matter now involves a review process required under church (canon) law.

The state Attorney General's Office has launched a statewide probe into priests dating back to the 1950s.

Witkowski was ordained in 1961 and reached senior status in 2013 when he retired. He was a priest at a number of parishes over the years. 

He served in these parishes:

• 1991 - 2013: St. Faustina, Warren (merger: St. Edmund/St. Sylvester)               
• 1985 - 1991: St. Raymond, Detroit                                                                
• 1981 - 1985: St. Lawrence, Utica                                                               
• 1980 - 1981: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Woods                    
• 1976 - 1980: St. Mary Magdalen, Melvindale                                                      
• 1969 - 1975: Herman Kiefer/Detroit Osteopathic Hospitals, Detroit        
• 1966 - 1969: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Detroit                                              
• 1961 - 1966: St. Matthew, Detroit