Fr. Robert DeLand, Jr.

The Diocese knew of “rumors” in 1992. DeLand was investigated by the Diocese in 2005 after a woman reported that her brother, who died by suicide in 1993, may have been abused by DeLand in the 1970s. Deemed “unfounded.” Pastor of St. Agnes in Tittabawassee Township when arrested 2/25/2018 on charges of the sexual assault of a 21-year-old man and 17-year-old boy. The boy’s parents told police of concerns regarding DeLand and their son. He was arrested after the boy went undercover. Suspended. DeLand gave the boy alcohol and ecstasy. “Nearly half a dozen” more people reported to police attempted and actual sexual abuse, including rape, by DeLand, some incidents occurring three decades prior; some were minors, and at least one was a girl. A lawsuit was filed in 3/2018 by a 17-year-old boy. DeLand was arrested again in 4/2018; some charges were related to the alleged sexual assault of a 17- or 18-year-old male in 5/2017. The boy’s father said he reported the incident to the Diocese, but no response. DeLand pleaded no contest in 9/2018 in a plea deal; he withdrew the plea weeks later. In 3/2019 he was acquitted of the assault of two teenagers. He pleaded no contest to his earlier withdrawn plea, avoiding trial. In 4/2019 he was sentenced to 2-15 years in prison. He was permanently removed from ministry and his case was sent to the Vatican. A lawsuit was filed in 5/2019 alleging the attempted sexual assault in 5/2017 by DeLand of a 17-year-old boy. DeLand was released on parole in 4/2021, which was to end in 4/2022. He was required to register as a sex offender. In 2/2021 the Diocese received an email from a woman who said that when she was a teenage volunteer in Summer 1973 at St. Vincent’s Home in Saginaw she witnessed “pedophile behavior” by DeLand toward boys as young as age 5.  The woman said she told the nuns in charge, and suffered “years of retaliation” as a result. In 11/2022 DeLand’s laicization was announced. Included in the MI Attorney General’s 6/25/2026 Diocese of Saginaw Report.