Profile Facts
- Name
- Frederick William Ryan
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Saginaw
- Ordained
- 1913
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 9/17/1966
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Even abuse from the earliest days of a diocese can still be addressed in court. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC help Michigan survivors bring historic claims forward, treating every story with care and confidentiality.
Father Frederick William Ryan was ordained in 1913 and spent his career in what became the Diocese of Saginaw. He was named publicly as accused in the Michigan Attorney General’s June 2026 Saginaw report. This page summarizes the reported allegation and explains Michigan survivors’ legal rights.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Saginaw
The Diocese of Saginaw, created in 1938, is one of seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan. The others are the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Gaylord, and Marquette. The Michigan Attorney General’s statewide clergy-abuse investigation, launched in 2018, released its Saginaw report in June 2026, documenting allegations against Ryan from the mid-20th century.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can advise whether allegations this old can still support a civil claim under Michigan’s extended filing windows.
The Allegations Against Father Frederick William Ryan
A Mid-Century Pastorate
Published records indicate that Ryan was ordained in 1913 for the Diocese of Grand Rapids and was incardinated into the Diocese of Saginaw when it was created in 1938. He was pastor of Sacred Heart in Merrill when he retired in 1959, and he died in 1966.
The 2005 Report
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s June 25, 2026 Diocese of Saginaw Report, a 65-year-old woman told the diocese in 2005 that Ryan had grabbed her and kissed her when she was a grade school student in Merrill. She said her sister told her that Ryan would grab her breasts. Because Ryan died in 1966, criminal prosecution is impossible, but civil claims against his estate or the diocese may still be available.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal and civil justice serve different purposes. Criminal cases let the state punish offenders with imprisonment. Civil cases let survivors recover compensation for their injuries. A survivor’s civil lawsuit is independent of any criminal proceeding and does not require one.
Dioceses can be held civilly liable when their leaders knew or should have known about abusive conduct and failed to prevent it, concealed reports, or neglected proper screening and training of priests.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan’s civil filing window for sexual abuse claims is ten years, or until the survivor turns 28, whichever is later, under MCL §600.5805. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no statute of limitations. The extended civil period was created because trauma and suppressed memories so often delay disclosure.
Historic cases involve unique timing questions, so survivors should consult an attorney promptly to understand their options.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Michigan survivors harmed by Father Frederick William Ryan or any other clergy member may seek compensation for medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. White Law PLLC has the experience to handle even the oldest and most difficult cases with sensitivity.
Reach our team at (517) 316-1195 for a private consultation. We advocate for survivors in every corner of Michigan.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.