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  Former Hoopeston Priest Asked to Step down over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The News-Gazette
January 22, 2009

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2009/01/22/former_hoopeston_priest_asked_to_step_down_over_sexual_misconduct_allegations

CHAMPAIGN – A former Hoopeston priest has been asked to leave the ministry following allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Rev. Jerry Pilon, pastor of St. Mary Church in Moline, was asked to step down from public ministry by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria.

Pilon faces allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor dating back to nearly 12 years, according to a release from the Peoria diocese.

The alleged abuse did not take place in the Peoria diocese, and Pilon did not serve with the victim in any ministerial capacity, according to the release.

Pilon has been asked to not function as a Catholic priest in any public capacity or wear the clerical garb or Roman collar as well as to refrain from using the title reverend or father.

Pilon has denied the allegations.

Pilon has served in the Moline church since 1998. Prior to that appointment, he served at St. Anthony Church in Hoopeston from 1992 to 1998.

 
 

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