SAGINAW TOWNSHIP (MI)
Midland Daily News
March 2, 2018
By Kelly Dame
A Freeland priest facing sexual assault charges has been banned from wearing clerical garb and presenting himself publicly as a priest.
The Rev. Robert John DeLand Jr., 71, Saginaw Township, faces charges of attempted second-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and gross indecency between males. Each count is a felony punishable by up to five years in jail.
Since the arrest, police said they have been inundated by calls detailing incidents with the suspect dating back 30 years.
DeLand, the pastor at St. Agnes Church in Freeland and the judicial vicar at the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, was arraigned earlier this week and was released on a GPS tether.
He was placed on administrative leave by the Diocese of Saginaw, and now the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, bishop of Saginaw, has announced further mandates for DeLand.
In a Thursday afternoon media release, Bishop Cistone announced DeLand is to meet all bond conditions, including the “critically important directive that he is to have no contact with individuals under 21, for the well being, safety and protection of our community and most especially young people.”
As a result of the condition, DeLand is prohibited from going on school properties or participating in school and parish activities and functions.
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