Fr. B. Neil Smith

Publicly identified as accused in the report released by the Michigan Attorney General on October 22nd, this individual was named as the perpetrator of sexual abuse. Back in 2004, Bishop Garland was informed by a man that Smith had engaged in multiple instances of sexual abuse when the man was just 14 or 15 years old, which occurred in either 1951 or 1952. Smith himself admitted to these reprehensible actions. Despite this, the Vatican decided against taking any punitive measures, citing Smith’s advanced age, poor health, and retired status. Smith passed away in 2007. Fast forward to 2018, when the diocese received a report detailing an incident in which Smith placed his hand on the crotch of a 14 or 15-year-old during a car ride that took place in either 1954 or 1955.