LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office released a report detailing allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct within the Diocese of Saginaw.
Thirty-eight religious leaders identified.
The report identifies 37 priests and one deacon accused of sexual abuse or misconduct.
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The report acknowledges abuse victims and compiles information from the attorney general’s tip line, victim interviews, police investigations, open-source media, and electronic and paper documents seized from the Diocese of Saginaw. It also includes reports of allegations disclosed by the Diocese.
The Department of Attorney General compiled a list of clergy accused of sexually abusing children or adults since Jan. 1, 1950. Investigators used records seized during a 2018 search of the Diocese of Saginaw, along with tips submitted to the department’s abuse hotline. The list includes 37 priests and one deacon. The Diocese of Saginaw ordained or incardinated 30 of those clergy members.
Nessel acknowledged the victims’ courage.
“This report is only possible because of the bravery of so many, from young children to the elderly, coming forward over decades to share their suffering,” she said. “As always, I commend their strength and thank them for it. Accountability comes in many forms, and by publishing these accounts we hope to foster acknowledgment for these survivors and safer communities today.”
Previous Diocese reports.
The Diocese of Saginaw agreed to provide reports of abuse to Nessel’s office. She said victims often reach out to their faith leaders to report alleged abuse, and the Diocese’s willingness to provide information played a key role in compiling the report.
This marks the sixth of seven reports released by Nessel’s office:
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Diocese of Marquette — Oct. 27, 2022
Diocese of Gaylord — Jan. 8, 2024
Diocese of Kalamazoo — May 22, 2024
Diocese of Lansing — Dec. 16, 2024
Diocese of Grand Rapids — Dec. 15, 2025
The report on the Archdiocese of Detroit is still pending.
