Fr. Robert DeLand, Jr.

Ordained: 1973
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Saginaw MI

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. Parents of the boy told police concerns regarding DeLand and their son. 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 sex abuse, some three decades prior; some minors, at least one girl. Diocese knew of “rumors” in 1992. Investigated by the Diocese in 2005 after a woman reported that her brother, who died by suicide in 1993, may have been abused in the 1970s. Deemed “unfounded.” Suit filed in 3/2018 by 17-year-old boy. Arrested again in 4/2018; some charges related to the alleged sex assault of a 17- or 18-year-old male in 5/17. His father said he reported the incident to the Diocese, but no response. Pleaded no contest in 9/2018 in a plea deal. Withdrew plea weeks later. Acquitted in 3/2019 of assault of two teens. Pleaded no contest to earlier withdrawn plea, avoiding trial. Sentenced in 4/2019 to 2 to 15 years in prison. Case sent to the Vatican. Released on parole in 4/2021; parole to end in 4/22. Required to register as a sex offender. Laicized announced in 11/2022.

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