Parker Waichman LLP

New Evidence Against Detroit Priest

A Florida firefighter has kept a terrible childhood secret for 27 years, but now he’s coming forward and a former Detroit priest may have a harder time beating the rap. The firefighter is now 40 years old and authorities say he never told a soul he was molested repeatedly by a priest when he was […]

Detroit Priest

A Florida firefighter has kept a terrible childhood secret for 27 years, but now he’s coming forward and a former Detroit priest may have a harder time beating the rap.

The firefighter is now 40 years old and authorities say he never told a soul he was molested repeatedly by a priest when he was just a boy. He came forward after he read about the legal troubles of another accused priest in a Florida newspaper and spotted the name of the man who abused him.

The Wayne County Prosecutor says this development falls in the category of God working in mysterious ways. He also says former priest Jason Sigler won’t be able to hide behind the statute of limitations this time, as three new counts first degree criminal sexual conduct are filed against him.

Jason Sigler is already facing four counts each of first and second degree criminal sexual conduct, the result of allegations he abused a 12-year-old boy in the mid 60’s. The new allegations come from a man who attended St. Mary Magdalen in Hazel Park when he was a boy. In 1975, when he was 13-years-old, he charges the then Detroit priest molested him.

Father Sigler performed oral sex on boy

“He drove him to what was Father Sigler’s house, apparently Father Sigler lived with his grandmother in River Rouge. And on a number of occasions drove the 13-year-old boy to his house in River Rouge where Father Sigler performed oral sex on boy,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Duggan.

The original charges are being challenged by Sigler’s defense, which says the statute of limitations ran out. The prosecutor considers the second victim to be a God send because, he says, there will be no question about the statute of limitations in this case.

“And since we now have by their own admission that he did not leave the state until 1976, we have a charge with an extremely credible, married firefighter for an incidence that occurred in 1975,” Duggan said.

The prosecutor says the man’s mother encouraged the close relationship with the priest, believing Sigler would be a good influence on her son. He remained silent about the abuse all these years fearing she’d feel guilty about her role.

Sigler’s lawyer says any time you are dealing with allegations from this far back, the six year statute of limitations will be an issue. Sigler resigned from the priesthood in 1982 and lives in New Mexico with his wife of 20 years.

Need Legal Help Regarding Abuse from a Detroit Priest?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
This is my first experience working with this firm. My primary contact has been Sabrina Hogan who is helping with my case. Sabrina is an excellent example of what great service should be. Whenever I've had questions, she responds to me quickly. And, although I know she must be extremely busy, she takes time to listen to me. If she's unable to answer my questions during our call, she gets back with me quickly. She's also great at keeping me informed. I also want to express my appreciation for Paul Segal, who assisted me when Sabrina wasn't available. He contacted me right away and was also very helpful! Parker Waichman LLP is fortunate to have Sabrina and Paul on their team!
Nancy Wainwright
5 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They were so helpful and informative throughout the entire process. Especially Jillian. She is amazing!! I definitely recommend
Ari Ari
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
When I contacted Parker Waichman LLC I did not know what to expect…But I met Ms Benita Rollis and she was a Godsend ! Ms Rollis guided me through the entire process.. and whenever I had a question about anything Ms Rollis got back to me with answers immediately! I dont know what I would have done without Ms Benita Rollis .. She is the BEST ! Thank you. I have dealt with other Law Firms over the years But nobody tops Parker Waichman.
Kevin Oras
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038