Archdiocese clears priest of accusations involving minor, reinstates him
GETTY Chicago Archdiocese
CHICAGO (AP) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has reinstated a priest to his duties after allegations of misconduct involving a minor proved to be unfounded.
The archdiocese in August removed Father Gary Graf as pastor of San Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio Parish after he was accused by a minor of inappropriate behavior. The teenager alleged he received a telephone call from the church secretary saying Graf was attracted to him. He also said Graf would rub his shoulders and once offered him a free car.
Graf in January was found not guilty of sexual misconduct by a Cook County judge. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services also found the allegations "unfounded."
In a letter San Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio parishioners Saturday, Cardinal Blaze Cupich said the archdiocese also investigated the allegations and cleared him.