SAGINAW (MI)
WJRT TV 12
April 25, 2019
The suspended Saginaw County Catholic priest known as “Father Bob” will spend two to 15 years in prison.
The Rev. Robert DeLand is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with males ages 17 and 21. The incidents allegedly took place in Tittabawassee Township and at his condominium on Mallard Cove in Saginaw Township.
He pleaded no contest last month to three charges: second-degree criminal sexual conduct, providing an imitation controlled substance and gross indecency between males. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but the court treats it as one at sentencing.
He made the plea days after a Saginaw County jury found him not guilty in two other cases. One of the cases involved the 17-year-old in today’s sentencing, the other case involved a second 17-year-old male.
The most serious charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
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