SPRINGFIELD (IL)
WICS
The Catholic community is reacting to surfacing claims that a local pastor sexually abused a minor more than 30 years ago.
The Springfield Catholic Diocese received the claim last week and have since asked Pastor Robert ‘Bud’ Degrand to temporarily withdraw from the four local parishes he currently serves.
The accusation now sits with the Morgan County State’s Attorneys Office, where lawyers are scrutinizing the Statute of Limitations. Lawyers say it may be difficult to bring charges against Degrand since it has been so long.
It was in 1980 when Degrand led a community in faith at Our Savior Parish in Jacksonville. Degrand then went on to lead parishes in Winchester, Bluffs, Granite City and Siegel, Neoga, Green Creek and Lillyville, where he still currently serves.
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