Diocese Abuse Allegations

WICS
September 19, 2013

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_13215.shtml

A priest of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield has temporarily withdrawn from ministry following allegations of clerical sexual misconduct with a minor that occurred over 30 years ago. The alleged abuse was said to have occurred in 1980 when Robert "Bud" DeGrand was assigned to Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville as parish priest.

Father DeGrand, pastor of parishes in Sigel, Neoga, Green Creek and Lillyville, is cooperating with the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board that he temporarily withdraw from public ministry and from his residence pending further investigation.

Bishop Paprocki says the purpose of temporary withdrawal is to quickly assess the risk to minors, the urgent needs of the church and the situation of the accused priest.