ILLINOIS
XFM
Published on January 13 2014
Written by Greg Sapp
The preliminary investigation of an allegation of clerical sexual misconduct with a minor said to have occurred over 30 years ago has been concluded in the case of Father Robert “Bud” DeGrand. After examining the results of the preliminary investigation, the Diocesan Review Board unanimously found that the allegation against Father DeGrand is credible.
Father DeGrand is pastor of parishes in Sigel, Neoga, Green Creek and Lillyville, in the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
In keeping with the Code of Canon Law, the case will now be forwarded to the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for further proceedings.
It should be noted that the finding of the Diocesan Review Board is not a final conclusion about guilt or innocence, but addresses whether the allegation by the accuser and other information are sufficient to reasonably suspect that the accused has engaged in sexual abuse of a minor. The function of the Diocesan Review Board in church law is analagous to a grand jury in civil law, which investigates potential criminal conduct and determines whether criminal charges should be brought. However, a grand jury does not conduct the actual criminal trial or make a final determination of guilt or innocence.
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