Former Michigan Deputy Ronald Belko Sentenced to 18–60 Years for Decades-Long Sexual Abuse of Boys

A former Michigan sheriff’s deputy, Ronald Belko, was sentenced on Monday, June 2, 2025, to 18 to 60 years in prison for a string of horrific sexual abuse crimes committed against young boys in Saginaw and Cheboygan counties. Belko, who served in law enforcement from 1993 until his retirement in 2021, will also be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring, ensuring continued supervision for the rest of his life.

The sentence was handed down after Belko pleaded guilty in April to multiple felony charges, including one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving personal injury, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving multiple variables, and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13. These charges stem from abuse that occurred over several years prior to 2009, involving multiple male victims.

According to court documents and testimony presented during sentencing, Belko used his position of trust and authority to manipulate and exploit his victims, many of whom were too young to understand the trauma they were enduring. Prosecutors revealed that some of the victims had been groomed over time, and that Belko’s conduct was both predatory and deeply damaging.

The courtroom was somber as victims and their families gave emotional statements, describing years of pain, broken trust, and the long road to healing. One survivor described living in fear and shame for years, unsure if he would ever see justice served. Another said Belko’s abuse had left psychological scars that would never fully heal.

“This was a betrayal not just of individual victims, but of the public trust placed in law enforcement officers,” prosecutors said. “Belko used his badge not to protect, but to prey. Today’s sentence acknowledges the gravity of those crimes and offers a measure of justice to his victims.”

Belko declined to make a public statement during sentencing, though his defense attorney acknowledged his client’s crimes and claimed Belko had accepted responsibility by pleading guilty. However, for many in the courtroom, that acceptance came far too late.

The case has reverberated through both the Saginaw and Cheboygan communities, where Belko had lived and worked for decades. In light of the sentencing, several community members have called for further review of past conduct within the sheriff’s department and increased protections for minors who interact with law enforcement personnel.

As Belko begins his prison term, advocates are reminding the public of the importance of believing survivors and reporting suspected abuse. Local victim advocacy groups have praised the courage of the individuals who came forward, many of whom endured years of silence before speaking out.

Belko’s sentence ensures he will remain behind bars for many years, with the possibility of parole only after serving 18 years. However, his name will remain on Michigan’s sex offender registry for life, and he will be electronically monitored should he ever be released.

The case underscores the deep, lasting damage caused by sexual abuse, especially when committed by those in positions of power and authority. For the victims of Ronald Belko, the sentence marks the end of a long fight for justice—but the journey of healing continues.