Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Tuesday announced that Vincent Delorenzo, 84, formerly of Flint, Michigan pled guilty to one count of attempted criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.
Delorenzo, a former priest with the Lansing Diocese, was among the first five priests charged by Nessel in late May 2019. He is pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a five-year-old boy following a service he officiated for the boy’s deceased family member in 1987. In exchange for his guilty plea today, the remaining charges will be dismissed. These charges related to the sexual assault of a child from 1995-2000, while he was a student at Holy Redeemer School and Church in Burton, Michigan.
While the crime occurred more than 10 years ago, Michigan’s statute of limitations is tolled when a defendant leaves the state for any reason within the statute of limitations and resumes if and when the defendant returns to the state. Delorenzo, who was a priest at Holy Redeemer Church in Burton, was arrested in 2019, in Marion County, Florida.
“Our team continues to work day and night to bring an end to an era of abuse that has hidden in plain sight for far too long and provide justice to those who have suffered years of unimaginable trauma,” said Nessel. “This guilty plea will hopefully close this painful chapter and open the opportunity for much-needed healing for those victimized by Delorenzo.”
The Michigan Department of Attorney General (DAG), Michigan State Police, and members of the DAG’s clergy abuse investigation, are dedicated to a victim-centered, and trauma informed approach to cases, including in making determinations as to the best possible resolution of these difficult matters. Tuesday’s plea is a result of consultation with the victims of Delorenzo. As a result of the victim-centered approach to sexual assault investigations, great deference is provided to victims, and to their personal journey through this often-traumatic process through the criminal justice system. The clergy abuse team will not force a victim of sexual assault to testify in court and recognizes the trauma and re-victimization risks associated with a trial. The focus is and always will be on what is best for the victims of these egregious crimes. The defendant acknowledging his guilt and his acceptance of responsibility for the abuse he perpetrated was an important part of this healing process for the survivors of Delorenzo.
Delorenzo’s sentencing has been scheduled for June 13, at 8:30 a.m. Pursuant to his plea agreement, it is expected that he will be sentenced to 5 years’ probation, the first year of which will be served in the Genesee County Jail. He will also be mandated to register as sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act for a lifetime period. He will additionally be ordered to engage in sex offender counseling, pay restitution, and all the victims of Delorenzo will have an opportunity to provide an impact statement at the time of defendant’s sentencing hearing.
The Diocese of Lansing has continued to cooperate with the ongoing clergy abuse investigations. To learn more about Nessel’s investigation into clergy abuse or to submit information, visit the attorney general’s website at www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/catholic-church-clergy-abuse. Tips can also be provided over the phone by calling 844-324-3374.
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