Fr. Joseph Michael DeShan

Ordained: 1987
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Reportedly in 4/2002, DeShan had a sexual ‘relationship’ with a 14- or 15-year-old girl in 1988. The girl became pregnant in 1989. DeShan took a leave of absence after telling Bishop Egan. Egan allowed him to leave the priesthood and to begin a new life as elementary school teacher, with no record of sexual misconduct. Laicized in  1999. Teaching in NJ in 2002 when the allegation was revealed. Temporarily placed on leave for three weeks; allowed to return to teaching. Claim settled in 10/2003. Suspended again from a Cinnaminson NJ public middle school teaching job in early 2019 after parents concerned about his history demanded his removal. A 12-year-old girl, who was his student, complained in 12/2018 that he made her feel uncomfortable when he complimented her eyes. In 4/2019 the state Dept. of Education ordered the district to return DeShan to his job. Per a report commissioned by the diocese in 2019, there was one victim, a 15-year-old girl, abused 1988-1989.


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