Fr. Dennis A. Wagner

Diocese: Diocese of Grand Rapids MI
Ordained: 1978
Status of Accusation: Convicted

In 1983, he pleaded guilty to the assault and battery of a 13-year-old boy while they were on a tubing trip. As a result, he was placed on two years of probation and received counseling. Shockingly, he confessed in the same year to having molested multiple boys. Fast forward to the early 1990s, when a man came forward and informed the diocese that Wagner had raped him in a lake back in 1985. Unfortunately, no criminal charges could be filed due to the statute of limitations. However, the diocese did provide the man with financial assistance for therapy. Despite these disturbing revelations, Wagner was still allowed to continue working as a canon lawyer in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. It wasn’t until May 2002 that he was finally suspended. At that point, the diocese had received six credible allegations against him. As a result, they agreed to pursue his laicization.

We're investigating claims against Fr. Dennis A. Wagner. If you were abused by Fr. Dennis A. Wagner, our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers are available for a free, private, and confidential consultation. Call 248.799.7876 or click here to contact us.