ILLINOIS
The Southern
BY BRENT STEWART, THE SOUTHERN
JONESBORO — Judge Mark Boie has ordered another fitness hearing for Bill Vandergraph, a former Alto Pass pastor accused of sexually abusing a minor.
In his order, issued Tuesday, Boie said, “Based on the history of this matter… the Court’s opinion is that it must fully determine whether the Defendant is unwilling or unable to cooperate with his counsel.”
Concerns about Vandergraph’s mental fitness, possibly including depression and signs of dementia, have been an issue in the proceedings. Psychiatrist Naeem A. Qureshi, MD, testified Vandergraph was fit to stand trial in a fitness hearing in April 2011.
As recently as March, Qureshi issued a supplemental report that deemed Vandergraph fit for trial.
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