Former Oakland County Priest Faces New Sex Abuse Charges

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — A former priest in Oakland County charged previously in a sexual assault case now faces two additional accusations, the Michigan Attorney General's Office said Monday.

Gary Berthiaume, 80, was charged last year with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.

Now, Berthiaume is charged in two additional cases, authorities said Monday, and faces two felony counts of gross indecency in 46th District Court and two counts of second additional charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in 47th District Court.

“We remain indebted to the courageous survivors who share their stories and therefore allow our clergy abuse team to pursue criminal charges in court,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “We must ensure justice is served against those who use their powerful positions to prey on others who seek guidance and trust.”

Related: Former Farmington-Area Priest Accused Of Sexual Assault

All three cases stem from allegations of abuse in the 1970s involving three different victims who were between 13 and 15-years-old at the time, according to Nessel's office.

Berthiaume was a priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wyandotte and later Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington during the time of the reported abuse.

Berthiaume was released on a personal recognizance bond in both cases. He is scheduled to appear in court again in July.