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	Rev. Smith Not Target of Probe Morris Pastor, Joliet Bishop Testify before Grand Jury By Jo Ann Hustis Morris Daily Herald April 27, 2006 http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1 &SubSectionID=58&ArticleID=18048&TM=64609.95 JOLIET – The Rev. Richard Smith of Immaculate Conception Church in Morris is not a target of a Will County Grand Jury investigation. Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow confirmed today Smith is not a target, although he did testify during a secret grand jury session conducted Wednesday afternoon in a courtroom on the third floor of the county courthouse in Joliet. "It's just wrong for people to think that he is a target when he's not," Glasgow noted of Rev. Smith. Smith appeared before the grand jury, along with Bishop Joseph Imesch of the Diocese of Joliet. Glasgow said today he could not comment on why Smith appeared, although individuals who testify before grand juries are either witnesses or suspects. Glasgow also said because of a budget crunch in Will County government, he did not have a private area in which to conduct the grand jury. Smith could not be reached for comment by presstime today. Thomas Kerber, spokesman for the Joliet Diocese, had no information today on the grand jury session. However, Imesch said in a news release Tuesday the diocese would voluntarily turn over to the state's attorneys in Will and DuPage counties all allegations of childhood sexual misconduct by diocesan priests between 1970 and 2002. Glasgow indicated the grand jury sometimes does investigations in which there are no charges. The diocese's press release said the decision to release the information is part of a plan of action the diocese is developing to end the tragedy of child sexual abuse by priests. "Child sexual abuse is a sin and a crime, and will not be tolerated. Some of our past actions were inconsistent with our goals to protect children and act responsibly and compassionately toward victims," Imesch said in part in the release. "As we move forward, we pledge to do everything in our power to make sure no child is at risk, and the interests of the victim are always put first." Imesch said in addition to turning over all allegations of sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities, whether or not the claims are substantiated, the diocese is beginning a thorough review of its policies and procedures for handling the allegations. Under consideration is formation of an independent advisory group to review diocesan policies on sexual misconduct, he noted. Included would be lay members such as child welfare professionals, and at least one survivor or parent of a survivor of child sexual abuse. "We are immediately taking what we believe are essential steps to help past victims and to ensure this never ever happens again," he said in the release. Imesch also noted that, by turning over the files to authorities, more past allegations may surface.
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