The Diocese of Saginaw, a prominent institution in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, has long been a beacon of faith and service within the Catholic community. Its history, deeply tied to the spiritual and cultural development of the area, has been overshadowed in recent years by troubling allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy members.

These allegations not only raise questions about the diocese’s past but also have broader implications for accountability and justice within the Catholic Church. Survivors have come forward with courageous accounts of abuse, challenging the institution to confront its systemic failures and take meaningful steps toward reform.

A Michigan clergy abuse lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help survivors in their pursuit of justice, offering a path forward for those seeking compensation and healing.

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Background and Influence of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw

Established in 1938, the Diocese of Saginaw spans eleven counties in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. Through its network of parishes, schools, and community programs, it serves tens of thousands of Catholics. Rooted in traditions of faith and service, the diocese has significantly shaped the region’s spiritual and social fabric.

The diocese’s leadership, from its founding bishops to its current shepherd, Bishop Robert D. Gruss, has been instrumental in promoting Catholic values and outreach efforts.

However, its historical significance is now entwined with the allegations of abuse that have surfaced in recent years. Prominent clergy members accused of misconduct have included those who held positions of influence within the diocese, further highlighting systemic failings.

Abuse Allegations Within the Diocese of Saginaw

The Diocese of Saginaw has faced numerous allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members, with cases highlighting both individual misconduct and systemic failures. Survivors have shared accounts of abuse that span decades, involving priests who exploited positions of trust within parishes, schools, and youth programs.

A high-profile case involved Father Robert DeLand, a senior priest and judicial vicar for the diocese, with allegations of sexual abuse stretching back nearly three decades, all of which involved survivors who were minors at the time. Victims described being groomed during counseling sessions, with incidents occurring in the rectory and other diocesan properties. [1]

Another case involves Rev. Msgr. Timothy H. Desrochers. In 2003, a man in his 20s reported that during confession, Fr. Timothy Desrochers hugged and inappropriately touched him. Desrochers allegedly admitted to struggling with similar behavior and claimed there had been other victims.

In 2007, the Diocese received nude photos of Desrochers posted on a website for older men seeking younger partners. He admitted to posting the photos, claiming it was “not a big deal.” The incident led to his removal from priestly ministry via a decree from Bishop Alexander Sample.

In 2011, Desrochers was implicated in a scandal involving a recorded phone call with a prisoner. During the call, Desrochers allegedly solicited sexual favors in exchange for advocacy at the prisoner’s sentencing hearing. [2]

The list of Michigan clergy accused of abuse in the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw includes:

Fr. Robert DeLand, Jr.
Fr. Ronald J. Dombrowski
Deacon Richard L. Howard
Fr. Martin Ignatius Kalahar
Fr. Dennis Kucharczyk
Fr. Jack J. Leipert
Fr. James Andrew Marron
Fr. Francis McHugh
Fr. James Aloysius Mulvey
Fr. Neil Francis O’Connor
Fr. John Steven Rabideau
Fr. Thomas William Ryan
Fr. Elmer Stoffel
Fr. Richard T. Szafranski
Fr. Joseph Szarek
Fr. Leonard F. Wilkuski

Legal Proceedings and Investigations into the Diocese of Saginaw

Following the statewide investigation launched by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office in 2018, several cases involving clergy in the Diocese of Saginaw were uncovered.

That same year, DeLand was arrested and later convicted of criminal sexual conduct and gross indecency involving young men he encountered through his ministry.

After a series of legal proceedings, Father DeLand pleaded no contest to all the charges. In April 2019, Saginaw County Chief Circuit Court Judge Darnell Jackson sentenced him to up to 15 years in prison, but he was paroled later in 2021.

The Catholic Diocese’s Role in Enabling Abuse or Cover-Ups

The Diocese of Saginaw has faced significant criticism for its role in enabling and covering up abuse, with systemic failures documented in investigations and survivor accounts.

Delayed Action Against Accused Clergy: In cases like Father Timothy Desrochers, the diocese acted only after multiple allegations and scandals, including explicit evidence of misconduct, became public. This pattern of reactive rather than proactive measures allowed abuse to persist.
Lack of Transparency: Survivors and their families have reported frustration with the diocese’s opaque handling of abuse complaints. In some cases, allegations were dismissed or minimized without thorough investigation, leaving victims unsupported.
Reassignments of Clergy: Similar to patterns seen in other dioceses, accused priests were often reassigned to new parishes rather than removed from ministry, exposing more parishioners to potential harm.
Failure to Report to Authorities: The Michigan Attorney General’s investigation revealed instances where abuse allegations were not promptly reported to civil authorities, violating both ethical and legal obligations.

These actions reflect systemic failings that allowed abuse to proliferate within the Diocese of Saginaw. Survivors and advocates continue to call for meaningful reforms, including independent oversight and greater transparency, to prevent future harm and rebuild trust.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse Within the Diocese of Saginaw

Survivors of clergy abuse within the Diocese of Saginaw have both criminal and civil avenues to seek justice and hold abusers accountable.

They can report abuse to law enforcement, potentially leading to criminal charges against offenders. Although statutes of limitations may apply, recent reforms in some jurisdictions have extended or removed these limits for child sexual abuse cases.

Survivors can also file lawsuits against individual clergy members and the diocese for damages related to their abuse. These cases often address the diocese’s negligence in failing to prevent or address abuse.

Finally, many dioceses, including Saginaw, have established compensation programs for survivors. These programs often include financial settlements and access to counseling services.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

The clergy abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers bring extensive experience helping survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Saginaw and beyond. Our team understands the profound emotional and legal complexities of these cases and provides compassionate, skilled advocacy tailored to each survivor’s needs.

By conducting thorough investigations and leveraging our expertise in clergy abuse claims, we ensure survivors’ stories are heard and justice is pursued. Whether through civil litigation, settlement negotiations, or support throughout the legal process, our experienced attorneys are committed to securing accountability and compensation for their clients.

We represent victims of clergy abuse within the:

Secure Expert Legal Counsel Today!

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse within the Diocese of Saginaw, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need. We understand the pain, confusion, and fear that often accompany such experiences, and we are committed to helping survivors find their voices and seek justice.

Our team offers free, confidential consultations to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explore your legal options.

There are no upfront fees. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we successfully resolve your case. This ensures that financial concerns never prevent you from pursuing the accountability and compensation you deserve.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer.

References: [1] WSAV, [2] State of Michigan

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