Pastor temporarily unfit to stand trial

A local pastor has been found to be temporarily unfit to stand trial in a case involving allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.

The Rev. Bill Vandergraph, 72, of Alto Pass, has been charged with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (a Class X felony) and two counts of aggavated criminal sexual abuse (both Class 2 felonies.)

He has remained on home confinement for most of the time since his arrest on July 14.

Vandergraph appeared at a hearing held Monday in Union County Circuit Court in Jonesboro. He was accompanied at the hearing by his attorney, Allen James of Anna.

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds said that Vandergraph has been found unfit to stand trial at this time.

The decision was based on the outcomes of evaluations conducted by two clinical psychologists. At this time, Vandergraph is unable to assist his attorney in talking about the case.

With a treatment plan in place, Vandergraph is expected to be able to stand trial in three to six months.