Ex-Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Two Minors

Schilling plied the boys with vapes, drugs, and alcohol to groom them for abuse over several years.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ryan M. Schilling, a former Saginaw County firefighter, has pleaded no contest to charges of sexually abusing two teenage boys over several years. Schilling groomed the boys, ages 13 and 15, by providing them with vapes, drugs, alcohol, and cash in exchange for sexual acts and lewd photos. The abuse came to light in 2025 after one of the victims suffered a mental breakdown and reported the crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of child sexual abuse and the tactics used by predators to exploit and manipulate vulnerable youth. It also raises concerns about the role of authority figures in positions of trust, like firefighters, who may abuse that trust. The case underscores the need for better education, prevention, and support services to protect minors from such predatory behavior.

The details

Schilling, 48, pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct causing mental anguish and one count of creating child sexually abusive activity. The 15-year-old victim testified that Schilling sexually assaulted him starting when he was 11 years old, providing him with vapes, alcohol, marijuana, Xanax, cocaine, and cash in exchange. The 13-year-old victim said Schilling began molesting him when he was 7 years old, also plying him with vapes, marijuana, alcohol, and an iPhone as 'payment'. Both victims said they exchanged lewd photos with Schilling.

  • In early 2025, the 15-year-old victim's allegations came to light after he suffered a mental breakdown and required hospitalization.
  • In April 2025, the two victims testified about the abuse during a preliminary examination.
  • On March 10, 2026, Schilling appeared before a judge and pleaded no contest to the charges.

The players

Ryan M. Schilling

A 48-year-old former Saginaw County firefighter who sexually abused two teenage boys over several years, grooming them with vapes, drugs, alcohol, and cash.

Alan A. Crawford

Schilling's defense attorney, who said Schilling pleaded no contest rather than guilty for reasons of civil liability.

Judge Darnell Jackson

The Saginaw County Circuit Court judge who indicated he will sentence Schilling to 12 years in prison.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I couldn't tell no one because (Schilling said) people in jail would hurt him. He wasn't built for jail, that's what he'd tell me. He made me feel like I was in the wrong.”

— 15-year-old victim (mlive.com)

“I just wanted to be cool and fit in with the older kids.”

— 13-year-old victim (mlive.com)

What’s next

The judge will formally sentence Schilling on a date yet to be determined.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater vigilance and support systems to protect vulnerable youth from predatory adults, even those in positions of authority. It underscores the lasting trauma that child sexual abuse can inflict and the importance of comprehensive prevention, education, and victim services.