Fr. Edmund Borycz – Diocese of Erie

On Behalf of | May 5, 2020 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Edmund Borycz 

Diocese of Erie (Franciscan) 

Ordained: 1968

Removed: 2006

Died: 2018

Assigned as follows:

  • St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Taylor, Michigan)  
  • St. Michael (Livonia, Michigan)
  • SS. Peter and Paul (Detroit, Michigan)
  • Archdiocese for Military Services

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Fr. Edmund Borycz:

Fr. Edmund Borycz was ordained a of the Franciscan Friars priest in 1968, who served in the Diocese of Erie, as well as in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He was widely known for his work with the mentally disabled.  He became one of only 148 priests worldwide who ministered to the military. By 1993, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel.

According to media reports, in June 2002, Father Borycz was placed on administrative leave of absence from his position as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Livonia, following credible allegations of sexually abusing five children between 1963 and 1987. 

At least four of the alleged victims told investigators from the prosecutor’s office that Father Borycz fondled them while they were in bed. Statutes of limitations prevented the cases from being pursued. Police reportedly knew of an allegation in 1987 in which a 13-year-old boy was sexually abused by Father Borycz in the rectory at St. Cyril in 1983. When police presented a warrant request against the priest, a former assistant prosecutor reviewed the request, denied it and directed police to seal their file without contacting the archdiocese.

In May 2006, Father Borycz was removed from active ministry. In June, he was placed on permanent inactive status with no privileges by the Vatican. He died in January 2018. His name was included on the Diocese of Erie’s list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors.released in April 2018.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Erie, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims.  Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to [email protected] to discuss your options today.