Michael Benham: Accused of Sexual Misconduct of a Minor

Michael Benham

Assignments:

  • 1976 – 1982: St. John Nepomuk Parish, Racine, WI
  • 1982 – 1988: St. Joseph High School, Kenosha, WI
  • 1988 – 2000: St. Charles Parish, Burlington, WA
  • 2000 – 2004: St. Patrick Parish, Elkhorn, WI

 

Michael Benham Documents  | Michael Benham Timeline

In November, 2003, the first report of abuse was received. The report was referred to the Racine district attorney. In January, 2004, the archdiocese was notified that the DA declined to prosecute based on the Statute of Limitations.

In January, 2004, Benham was confronted with the allegation and admitted that it was true. He resigned immediately as pastor. He refused to file for voluntary laicization.

In April, 2004, his case was submitted to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith with the request for ex officio dismissal from the clerical state. Between 2004 and 2008 the case was resubmitted several times until November, 2008, when the decree of dismissal ex officio was received.

Benham died in January, 2012.

Pastoral Assignment Gathered From The Archdiocese of Milwaukee