Detroit, Michigan – Sommers Schwartz, PC, a Detroit-based law firm, is currently investigating matters concerning Reverend Ronald Vincent Gronowski, a former Michigan priest under scrutiny for alleged sexual misconduct dating back to the 1970s.

Born on March 9, 1942, Gronowski received his ordination from the Diocese of Saginaw on June 7, 1969. He held numerous pastoral positions across Michigan, including St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Bay City and St. Mary Parish in Alpena. He also served as a pastor at St. Stephen Church and St. Theresa Church in the Marquette Diocese, with the dates of his service currently unknown but stretching until 2002. Gronowski was a founding member of the Gaylord Diocese in 1971.

In May 2002, a review of Gronowski’s personnel file by the Diocese unearthed evidence of alleged sexual misconduct towards a teenager in the 1970s. Despite initial allegations surfacing in 1995, the Diocese refrained from action against Gronowski until 2002. After a public apology, Gronowski was permanently removed from ministry.

In November 2018, Gronowski’s name appeared on a list of clergy members in the Gaylord Diocese accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. The Saginaw Diocese echoed these accusations in April 2019. Gronowski currently resides in Northern Michigan.

At Sommers Schwartz, attorneys Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, Matthew Curtis, and Jay Yasso are committed to aiding survivors of sexual abuse. The team has a track record of securing millions in restitution from high-profile predators, including Dr. Larry Nassar—former Michigan State University and USAG team physician—and Dr. Robert Anderson, who stood accused of sexually abusing students, athletes, and other patients over a thirty-five-year period at the University of Michigan.

CASE INFORMATION
DIOCESE OF MARQUETTE INVESTIGATION
Dana Nessel – Michigan Attorney General
Report Released October 27, 2022