CHICAGO (IL)
WLS
April 15, 2014 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — The Rev. Michael O’Connell was reinstated to his role as pastor at St. Alphonsus Parish in Chicago after the Chicago Archdiocese determined allegations of abuse were unfounded.
Father O’Connell agreed to step down in December 2013 when a formal allegation of misconduct was made. The allegation of misconduct was from 20 years earlier when he was assigned to Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park.
According to the Chicago Archdiocese, the allegation was investigated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Cook County State’s Attorney, as well as the Cook County Sheriff’s department. They concluded it was unfounded.
The Archdiocesan Independent Review Board recommended Fr. O’Connell return to active ministry. He will return to Alphonsus on April 17, 2014.
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