A fourth conviction and the harshest sentence in Michigan AG's clergy abuse investigation; SNAP is grateful to the AG's team and to the survivors for this result
Joseph (Josef) Compericho, a former music teacher at St. John Catholic School in Jackson, MI, was sentenced to 12-30 years in prison today. He must also register as a sex offender. This is the fourth conviction and the harshest sentence handed down so far in the Michigan Attorney General's investigation into clergy abuse.
We echo and applaud the statement from Michigan’s AG, Dana Nessel, on this outcome."The dedication of our clergy abuse team – and the willingness of brave survivors to tell their stories – ensured justice was served against Mr. Comperchio. Let this prison sentence be a reminder that we are here to listen to victims of abuse and pursue accountability on their behalf.
Compericho was first charged in September 2020 with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a minor and four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving two children. The following month, an additional five counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct against two more children were added. Four survivors came forward in total.
We are incredibly grateful to AG Nessel and the investigators who have scoured the files of abuse cases hidden by Catholic officials in Michigan for decades. Secular investigations across the country are finding the evidence and filing the charges necessary for victims to witness the wheels of justice at work. These dedicated professionals are helping to end the vicious cycle of abuse and cover-up.
More than anything, we hope this conviction gives other survivors the courage to come forward and report crimes, regardless of how long ago they may have occurred. We also hope that any individuals who witnessed or suspected sexual abuse will also report directly to law enforcement.
CONTACT: Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager (267-261-0578, [email protected]), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director (517-974-9009, [email protected])
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
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