Priest with Connection to Aurora Parishes Charged with Sexual Abuse

By Gloria Casas
Chicago Tribune
February 11, 2016

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/crime/ct-ecn-rockford-diocese-priest-arrested-st-0212-20160211-story.html

A priest who has been affiliated with two Aurora parishes was arrested Thursday on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor, a Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford press release stated.

Kane County Sheriff's deputies and the U.S. Marshal's office took the Rev. Alfredo Pedraza into custody on a warrant at his Rockford residence, said Patrick Gengler, director of administration for the sheriff's office. Pedraza is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 13, the release stated.

Each count is a felony, Kane County prosecutors said. Pedraza is expected at bond call Friday morning at the Kane County Judicial Center.

The Kane County Child Advocacy Center conducted the investigation, but the Kane County State's Attorney has not released further information.

Authorities launched an investigation into Pedraza after receiving two reports of alleged abuse in 2014, according to the release. Pedraza was asked to remove himself from all ministries including the Hispanic Ministry in the DeKalb County Deanery, the release stated. He has not been active in any ministries since October 2014, the release stated.