Fr. Dennis A. Wagner

Ordained: 1978
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Grand Rapids MI

Pleaded guilty in 1983 to assault and battery of a 13-year-old boy during a tubing trip. Given two years probation and received counseling. Apparently admitted in 1983 that he had molested more than one boy. Sent to St. Luke Institute in 1986. Allowed parish ministry in 7/1987, told not to have contact with those under age 18. Many more allegations of abuse of boys, some in lakes, swimming pools, cottages, showers. A man told the Diocese in the early 1990s that Wagner raped him in a lake in 1985. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. The Diocese gave the man money for therapy. Wagner was allowed to work as a canon lawyer in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. Suspended in 5/2002. At least six substantiated allegations. Several settlements. Wagner agreed to ask for laicization. Laicized 4/5/2004. Included in the MI Attorney General’s 12/15/2025 Diocese of Grand Rapids Report.

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