Fr. Charles Antekeier

Having retired in the year 2000, this individual has been accused of engaging in sexual abuse towards a minor during the years 1984-1985 while serving as a pastor at St. James in Grand Rapids. Consequently, in August of 2015, they were permanently removed from their ministerial duties and instructed to lead a life centered around prayer and penance. According to a news report from the same month and year, this individual has also been accused of further instances of abuse, including rape, towards a prepubescent altar boy from St. James during the early 1970s. The alleged victim’s father has stated that his son, as a direct result of the abuse, developed alcoholism by the age of 14, exhibited violent behavior, and even spent time incarcerated. It was only in his 40s, after achieving sobriety, that the son confided in his father about the abuse. The father claims to have reported the matter to both the District Attorney and the church, yet no action was taken.