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Priest cleared of allegation of sexual misconduct reinstated

The priest was accused of inappropriate behavior by a teenager, but a Cook County judge found him not guilty.
Credit: WQAD
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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 José Luis Sánchez del Río parishioners Saturday, Cardinal Blaze Cupich said the archdiocese also investigated the allegations and cleared him.

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