ILLINOIS
XFM
Written by Greg Sapp
Following an allegation of clerical sexual misconduct with a minor said to have occurred over 30 years ago, an area priest has temporarily withdrawn from ministry.
Father Robert “Bud” DeGrand, pastor of parishes in Sigel, Neoga, Green Creek and Lillyville, is cooperating with the recommendation of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield Review Board that he temporarily withdraw from public ministry and from his ecclesiastical residence pending further investigation.
The alleged abuse was said to have occurred in 1980 when Father DeGrand was assigned to Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville.
The allegation was received by the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator on September 9. On September 13, the Diocesan Review Board found the allegation to have “a semblance of truth” and recommended that Bishop Paprocki begin a preliminary investigation.
As required by the diocesan policy, the diocese has notified the Morgan County State’s Attorney, where the alleged abuse is said to have occurred, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
The allegation was communicated to Father DeGrand on Sunday by Monsignor Carl Kemme, vicar general of the diocese, and Father David Hoefler, the local dean. On Wednesday, Bishop Paprocki, Monsignor Kemme and Father Hoefler met with parishioners of the four parishes in a meeting held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Sigel to inform them of the reason for Father DeGrand’s temporary withdrawal from ministry.
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