Fr. William C. Graham

Pastor of St. Michael’s in Duluth MN when placed on leave 5/23/2016 after he was accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 15-16, in 1977-1978. The boy was a student at Cathedral High, where Graham worked variously as principal, chaplain, religious studies department head and teacher. Per the suit, the accuser’s father told the Diocese of the alleged abuse in 2010. Graham denied the allegation and filed suit in 7/2016 against his accuser. The Diocese announced in 8/2018 that the allegations against Graham were credible. Jury trial for Graham’s suit against his accuser 8/21/2018. The jury said the accuser interfered with Graham’s contractual duties when he filed claims in 5/2016, but did not intentionally inflict distress on him. The accuser was ordered to pay Graham $13,500 in damages. Graham was permanently removed from ministry. Added in 12/2019 to the Diocese of Joliet’s list; worked 2000-2005 at Lewis University in Romeoville. In 2021 the Diocese received an allegation that Graham sexually abused another boy years prior. Included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese’s list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report. In 3/2024 the Vatican’s Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith found that the evidence against Graham was insufficient. His name was removed from the Diocese’s list of accused and he was to be reinstated. Returned to his parish 5/17/2024. Retired 6/30/2024.