Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Lawyers
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. Michael Freeman – Diocese of Erie

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Michael Freeman – Diocese of Erie

November 29, 2018 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Michael Freeman – Diocese of Erie

Father Michael Freeman - Diocese of Erie

Ordained:  1972

Ecclesiastical Endorsement revoked by U.S. Army: 1981

Inpatient treatment: two times

First assignment in Diocese of Erie: 1982

Diocese of Erie faculties revoked: 1989

Died: 2010

Assigned as follows:

  • 1972-1975 St. Margaret (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1975-1976 St. Lawrence (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1976-1980 Sacred Heart (Niagara Falls, NY)
  • 1980-1981 Chaplain, U.S. Army (stationed in PA)
  • 1981-1982 Location unknown
  • 1982-1984 St. Christopher (Tonawanda, PA)
  • 1984-1989 St. Mary (Lancaster, PA)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Michael Freeman:

Father Michael Freeman was a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo that had two assignments in the Diocese of Erie following a rather dubious history in Buffalo and the U.S. Army.

According to the grand jury report, the Diocese of Buffalo first learned that Freeman sexually abused children in late 1981.  At that time, he admitted to sexual abuse at both St. Margaret and St. Lawrence, as well as his part-time assignment to Bishop Turner High School.

According to the grand jury report, Freeman has admitted to sexually abusing children during five of his six total assignments, including his two assignments in the Diocese of Erie.  The report also states that Freeman was twice treated at Southdown, a notorious treatment facility for pedophile priests near Toronto, Ontario.

While the grand jury does not provide specifics about the timeline (or number) of allegations against Freeman, there are certainly red flags in his assignment history, including the revocation of his ecclesiastical faculties as a U.S. Army chaplain.  The enlistment in the Army, while certainly not an indication of abuse on its own, is an assignment that admitted pedophile priests take on voluntarily to continue in ministry without bringing scandal to their home diocese. Additionally, the year spent out of ministry, followed by the resurfacing in the Diocese of Erie, is consistent with Freeman having admitted to sexual abuse of children following his discharge from a relatively brief enlistment in the military.  Of course, these are opinions offered based upon our experience, and we cannot say with certainty whether these factors played a role in Freeman's career without seeing his personnel files.

Freeman died in 2010.  The Diocese of Buffalo continued to provide financial support and benefits to Freeman until 1999, when Freeman informed the Diocese of Buffalo that he had obtained other employment.  What that employment was is not clear.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims.  Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com today.



Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap