A former firefighter in Saginaw County has pleaded no contest to multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of two teenage boys whom prosecutors say he groomed with drugs, alcohol and vape pens.
Ryan M. Schilling, 48, entered the plea on March 10 in Saginaw County Circuit Court before Judge Darnell Jackson.
Schilling pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct causing mental anguish and one count of creating child sexually abusive activity. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss several additional charges, including five more counts of criminal sexual conduct.
Judge Jackson indicated Schilling will be sentenced to 12 years in prison.
During earlier court testimony, two boys — ages 15 and 13 — said Schilling abused them for years. Both testified they had known him since childhood while living near each other in the Burt area.
The older teen told the court Schilling began abusing him when he was 11 years old and allegedly gave him vape pens, alcohol, marijuana, Xanax, cocaine and money when he visited his home.
The younger teen testified he began visiting Schilling’s residence when he was 7 years old to obtain vape pens. He said Schilling later began molesting him and often provided alcohol, marijuana and other items in exchange for visits.
The case came to light in early 2025 after the older teen suffered a mental health crisis and disclosed the abuse during an interview with the Child Abuse and Neglect Council.
Schilling, a former firefighter with Albee Township, will remain in custody until his sentencing date is scheduled.