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Neil Kalina, a former Shelby Township priest, has been resentenced to 7-15 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old in 1984. The case stems from Michigan’s clergy abuse investigation, which underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to justice for survivors.
Resentencing Highlights Accountability in Clergy Abuse Case
Neil Kalina, a 69-year-old former priest of St. Kiernan Catholic Church in Shelby Township, has been resentenced to 7-15 years in prison for second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The incident involved a 14-year-old victim in 1984 while Kalina was serving in his pastoral role. The resentencing comes after the Michigan Court of Appeals identified a technical error during his original sentencing.
Kalina is currently incarcerated at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson, Michigan. In addition to his prison term, he has been ordered to register for life on the Sex Offender Registry, ensuring heightened public awareness of his conviction.
Appeals Court Orders Resentencing
In 2022, Kalina was convicted on two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct by a Macomb County jury. The original sentence of 7-15 years in prison faced scrutiny when the Michigan Court of Appeals determined that improper consideration of acquitted conduct affected the sentencing calculations. The court upheld the conviction in April 2024 but mandated resentencing to address the procedural error.
While the adjustment did not change Kalina’s incarceration term, the process reaffirmed the integrity of judicial standards. The Attorney General’s office expressed hope that this outcome provides a measure of solace to the victim, who waited over 40 years for justice.
Survivor Support and Broader Implications
Attorney General Dana Nessel, whose office spearheaded the investigation, emphasized the significance of this case. “While this case has been prolonged, I hope that after 40 years, the victim can find some solace knowing Mr. Kalina will continue to spend years behind bars for this heinous assault,” Nessel said. “My office remains committed to supporting sexual assault survivors and victims of clergy abuse and ensuring their perpetrators are held accountable.”
Kalina was among 11 clergy members charged as part of Michigan’s Clergy Abuse Investigation Team, which has worked tirelessly to uncover and prosecute misconduct within the church. The investigation, which began in 2018, underscores the state’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for survivors of abuse.
The Legacy of Clergy Abuse Investigations
Kalina’s case represents just one chapter in Michigan’s broader investigation into clergy abuse. Since the launch of the initiative, the Attorney General’s office has received hundreds of tips and pursued numerous cases, resulting in charges against multiple individuals. The state’s commitment to uncovering long-buried abuses has brought justice to survivors and shed light on systemic failures that enabled such crimes.
Victims and individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s office through its dedicated Clergy Abuse Investigation Team page. The ongoing inquiry aims to ensure no case is overlooked, and survivors feel empowered to share their stories.
Related Developments in the Case
Kalina’s resentencing aligns with broader efforts across Michigan to reform the handling of sexual abuse cases. Advocacy groups, including Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), have applauded the state’s robust pursuit of justice. While progress is evident, survivors and advocates stress the need for continued vigilance and support systems for victims.
The Archdiocese of Detroit, under whose purview St. Kiernan Catholic Church falls, has yet to comment on the resentencing. Previously, the Archdiocese expressed commitment to transparency and support for survivors of abuse. Kalina’s case highlights the need for religious institutions to strengthen safeguards and accountability measures.
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