Names of Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

The Bishop places a name on the List following the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board that an allegation is credible. The Review Board, established in 2003, is an independent group of advisors with pertinent expertise whose responsibility includes the review of all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy.

A cleric’s name is included on the List even if the cleric was first incardinated or later incardinated into another Diocese or religious institute, left active ministry, served in active ministry for a brief time, or is deceased. By clicking on a name on the website, the viewer will see the pertinent ministerial history of the cleric.

The List was placed on the diocesan website in 2019. It is revised periodically as new information is obtained.

Section A contains the names of clerics of the Diocese of Saginaw who were permanently removed from ministry as a result of canonical proceedings. These individuals are prohibited from presenting themselves as priests or deacons. 

Section A - Permanently Removed from Ministry

Stanislaus A. Bur - deceased
Robert J. DeLand
Ronald J. Dombrowski
John E. Hammer 
Richard L Howard (former deacon)
Jack J. Leipert 
Richard T. Szafranski
Leonard F. Wilkuski -deceased 

Section B contains the names of diocesan priests against whom at least one credible allegation was presented after the death of the priest.

Section B - Credible allegation presented after the death

Martin Ignatius Kalahar
James Aloysius Mulvey
Neil Francis O’Connor
Thomas William Ryan

Section C contains the names of clergy from religious institutes and other dioceses. These clerics ministered in the Diocese and have one or more credible allegation arising from within this Diocese.

Section C - Clergy from religious institutes and other dioceses

Camillus Frigo, O.Praem (Norbertine)
James Marron, C.S.Sp. (Holy Spirit Fathers), deceased
Francis McHugh, O.Praem (Norbertine), deceased
Raymond John Pilarski, deceased
John Steven Rabideau, OMV (Oblates of the Virgin Mary), deceased 
Terrence Andrew Raymond, deceased
Robert Gordon Smith, deceased
Ken Stewart, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin), dispensed from clerical state
Joseph Szarek, deceased

Section D contains the names of known clergy from religious institutes and other dioceses who had a ministerial assignment in the Diocese, and one or more credible allegations arising from outside the Diocese

Section D - Clergy with credible allegations of abuse outside the Diocese 

Benedict Adams, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin), deceased 
Baldwin Beyer, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin), deceased 
Art Cooney, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin)
Ronald Vincent Gronowski (Diocese of Gaylord)
Francis M. Landwermeyer, SJ, (Jesuits), deceased
James LaRéau, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin), deceased
Austin Schlaefer, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin), deceased
Benjamin Van der Schueren, SJ (Society of Jesus), deceased
Elmer Stoffel, OFM Cap (Order of Friars Minor Capuchin), deceased
Chester Vincent Tomaszewski, (Diocese of Lansing), deceased 

If you are a victim of clergy abuse or know of someone who is, you are urged to make direct contact with local law enforcement and the Michigan Attorney General’s investigation hotline at 844-324-3374. You are also welcome to contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator from the contact information below. The Victim Assistance Coordinator can assist victims in obtaining counseling and other supportive services.

If you have cause to suspect a child or young person is being neglected or abused by anyone, immediately contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at its 24/7 hotline number: 855.444.3911. If you are currently witnessing child abuse or neglect, call 911.