A blow was dealt to the Southern Illinois Church and the Bald Knob Cross when the driving force behind the cross's restoration was arrested on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.
The Rev. Bill Vandergraph, 72, pastor of Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Alto Pass and president of the Friends of the Cross fundraising organization was arrested last Wednesday evening at the Anna DCFS office, after a week-long investigation by the Illinois State Police and Union County Sheriff's Office, according to the Union County States Attorney, Tyler Edmond.
Vandergraph is accused of sexual molestation of a 4-year-old girl between the dates of Jan. 1 and May 31. According to Illinois Compiled Statues, Vandergraph's charges do include the act of penetration, which can include but are not limited to intercourse.
This crime is a Class X felony, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 6 to 30 years.
The extent of the injuries acquired by the 4-year-old girl have not been released.
Vandergraph appeared in the Union County Courthouse Friday, where his bond was dropped from $500,000 to $100,000. In the instance that he is released from jail, he will be on home confinement, only able to leave for legal or medical appointments. He would also not be allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.
Allen James, Vandergraph's attorney, noted Vandergraph's health issues as reason why his bond should be lowered. The family was attempting to post bond Friday.
Vandergraph did not say anything while in court, but his sobs were heard throughout the majority of the meeting.
Vandergraph is the president of Friends of the Cross, but since charges have been filed, Jeff Lingle, the Cross's vice president, will be leading the group until the court decides the case.
D.W. Presley, a board member for Friends of the Cross, released a statement on behalf of the group:
"The Friends of the Cross Board is both shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those involved... The Friends of the Cross' focus and mission remains the restoration of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace and we will continue to work diligently towards this goal."
Despite the charges against Vandergraph, he has a distinguished resume throughout the region.
Vandergraph has said he always wanted to become a preacher, and after working for Caterpillar for five years he did just that. He and his wife, Shelba, were missionary pastors, and in the Missouri area, they started daycares and preschools in churches.
They then returned to southern Illinois where he founded and led the Friends of the Cross, which is a group of people raising money toward the restoration of the Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass.
He and his wife, have been in ministry for nearly 50 years. She could not be reached for comment.
When asked if this incident between Vandergraph and the 4-year-old was isolated, State Attorney Edmond, said the investigation is still underway.
Preliminary hearings at the Union County Courthouse are set to start Aug. 13.
|
|
|
A blow was dealt to the Southern Illinois Church and the Bald Knob Cross when the driving force behind the cross's restoration was arrested on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.
The Rev. Bill Vandergraph, 72, pastor of Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Alto Pass and president of the Friends of the Cross fundraising organization was arrested last Wednesday evening at the Anna DCFS office, after a week-long investigation by the Illinois State Police and Union County Sheriff's Office, according to the Union County States Attorney, Tyler Edmond.
Vandergraph is accused of sexual molestation of a 4-year-old girl between the dates of Jan. 1 and May 31. According to Illinois Compiled Statues, Vandergraph's charges do include the act of penetration, which can include but are not limited to intercourse.
This crime is a Class X felony, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 6 to 30 years.
The extent of the injuries acquired by the 4-year-old girl have not been released.
Vandergraph appeared in the Union County Courthouse Friday, where his bond was dropped from $500,000 to $100,000. In the instance that he is released from jail, he will be on home confinement, only able to leave for legal or medical appointments. He would also not be allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.
Allen James, Vandergraph's attorney, noted Vandergraph's health issues as reason why his bond should be lowered. The family was attempting to post bond Friday.
Vandergraph did not say anything while in court, but his sobs were heard throughout the majority of the meeting.
Vandergraph is the president of Friends of the Cross, but since charges have been filed, Jeff Lingle, the Cross's vice president, will be leading the group until the court decides the case.
D.W. Presley, a board member for Friends of the Cross, released a statement on behalf of the group:
"The Friends of the Cross Board is both shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those involved... The Friends of the Cross' focus and mission remains the restoration of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace and we will continue to work diligently towards this goal."
Despite the charges against Vandergraph, he has a distinguished resume throughout the region.
Vandergraph has said he always wanted to become a preacher, and after working for Caterpillar for five years he did just that. He and his wife, Shelba, were missionary pastors, and in the Missouri area, they started daycares and preschools in churches.
They then returned to southern Illinois where he founded and led the Friends of the Cross, which is a group of people raising money toward the restoration of the Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass.
He and his wife, have been in ministry for nearly 50 years. She could not be reached for comment.
When asked if this incident between Vandergraph and the 4-year-old was isolated, State Attorney Edmond, said the investigation is still underway.
Preliminary hearings at the Union County Courthouse are set to start Aug. 13.
