ILLINOIS
Journal Courier
May 13. 2015
By David C.L. Bauer dbauer@civitasmedia.com
JACKSONVILLE — A former Jacksonville priest is striking out at what he calls a witch hunt that led to his removal after a decades-old abuse allegation.
In a rare move, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki forced removal of the Rev. Robert “Bud” DeGrand earlier this month. DeGrand was pastor of Catholic churches in Lillyville, Green Creek, Sigel and Neoga. He previously served parishes in Bluffs, Winchester and Jacksonville.
DeGrand was accused of sexually abusing a minor while at Our Saviour Catholic Church in 1980 — the year he was ordained into the priesthood. The accusation was not made until more than three decades later.
DeGrand’s removal was not directly related to the allegation but to his refusal to comply with Paprocki’s order that he move to a private home in Springfield while on administrative leave during the investigation of the allegation.
DeGrand remained relatively silent as the allegation was investigated following protocol established by the Vatican. But now, in a letter he has distributed to parishioners and to several newspapers, DeGrand said it would be an “understatement” to say he was disappointed with the treatment he received.
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