Statement Regarding Reverend Richard T Brown

Investigators from the Dallas, Texas police department recently contacted archdiocesan officials regarding Father Richard T. Brown. Fr. Brown, born in 1941 and a priest of the Dallas diocese, had been in Detroit circa 1997-2002. The information received from Texas was shared by the Archdiocese of Detroit with local law enforcement and the Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office. The Dallas diocese lists Fr. Brown’s status as “absent on leave,” and says his priestly/public ministry was restricted in 2002.

There is an ongoing investigation in Dallas of Fr. Brown involving an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The archdiocese has come to learn that Fr. Brown, during his time in Michigan, assisted with sacramental and Mass duties at Assumption Grotto parish in Detroit. The Detroit archdiocese has been fully cooperative with authorities in Texas; it continues to learn more about details involved in this case.

Individuals with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy or other Church representatives are urged to contact local law enforcement and/or the Michigan Attorney General’s Office at (844) 324-3374 or aginvestigations@michigan.gov. Individuals also may contact the Archdiocese of Detroit by visiting protect.aod.org or by calling the 24/7 victim assistance line at (866) 343-8055 or by emailing vac@aod.org. There are no time limits or restrictions on individuals wishing to report abuse. To contact the Dallas police department visit their TipSubmit online portal or call (214) 671-4301.

Coverage of Fr. Brown’s case as first reported in 1997 and 2002 by the Dallas Morning News.