ILLINOIS
WICS

[with video]

A central Illinois priest who was removed as pastor over an abuse allegation is now speaking out.

Reverend Robert DeGrand says the church inquiry that led to his ouster resembled a witch hunt. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield removed DeGrand from four parishes earlier this month over alleged misconduct that happened in 1980 in Jacksonville.

Media reports show DeGrand says his removal was not directly related to the allegation, but instead, for refusing to move to a private home while on administrative leave after the complaint.