Fr. Joseph Michael DeShan
![](https://www.bishop-accountability.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DeShan_Joseph_source_sm.jpg)
Reportedly in 4/2002, DeShan had a sexual ‘relationship’ with a 14- or 15-year-old girl in 1988. The girl became pregnant in 1989. DeShan took a leave of absence after telling Bishop Egan. Egan allowed him to leave the priesthood and to begin a new life as elementary school teacher, with no record of sexual misconduct. Laicized in 1999. Teaching in NJ in 2002 when the allegation was revealed. Temporarily placed on leave for three weeks; allowed to return to teaching. Claim settled in 10/2003. Suspended again from a Cinnaminson NJ public middle school teaching job in early 2019 after parents concerned about his history demanded his removal. A 12-year-old girl, who was his student, complained in 12/2018 that he made her feel uncomfortable when he complimented her eyes. In 4/2019 the state Dept. of Education ordered the district to return DeShan to his job. Per a report commissioned by the diocese in 2019, there was one victim, a 15-year-old girl, abused 1988-1989.
- Hartford Courant 04.12.02
- Daily News 04.13.02
- Connecticut Post 04.13.02
- Philadelphia Inquirer 04.13.02
- Journal News 04.13.02
- Hartford Courant 04.14.02
- Associated Press 05.02.02
- Connecticut Post 10.18.02
- Connecticut Post 10.20.02
- Connecticut Post 11.13.02
- Connecticut Post 10.16.03
- Associated Press 10.17.03
- Connecticut Post 12.01.09
- Diocese of Bridgeport Settlements List 02.22.19
- Diocese of Bridgeport List Updated 03.22.19
- New Jersey 101 5 04.29.19
- New Jersey 101 5 04.30.19
- Star Ledger 05.01.19
- Patch 05.02.19
- Jezebel 05.06.19
- New York Times 05.07.19
- Associated Press 11.27.19
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