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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
Pastor Appears in Court on Sex Charges
"Any time there are accusations of moral failures against anyone, it's shocking," Pastor Steve McKeown said. "When that individual is a member of the clergy, it's even more shocking."
Officials will not say how Vandergraph and the victim knew each other. Investigators say the sexual contact happened on at least one occasion.
Vandergraph has been a leader among Union County Christians for half a century. Vandergraph froze the second he sees our cameras. He covered his face and cried as he made his way to court. A community leader for 50 years, facing felony charges. The Union County State's Attorney says, between January and May of 2010, Vandergraph made sexual contact with a four-year-old girl.
"At this point, we only have one incident charged," Tyler Edmonds said. "There may be additional charges filed."
Vandergraph's name is still listed on the marquee of the Full Gospel Pentacostal Church in Alto Pass, where he has been pastor for generations.
He is also president of Friends of the Cross, the group that has raised more than $350,000 to restore Bald Knob Cross. Vandergraph's attorney says potential donors to the Bald Knob Cross restoration need to look beyond the accusations.
"Mr. Vandergraph is just a man, and that project is far greater than just him," Allen James said. "They just don't want this to affect the progress with the cross."
It is a sentiment echoed by Pastor Steve McKeown, who is president of Bald Knob Cross of Peace, a separate board that oversees the preservation and operation of the cross.
"Our organizations are going to continue to move forward towards the mission--even in light of these really horrible circumstances," McKeown said.
In light of those circumstances, defense attorney Allen James shared a message from Vandergraph's family.
"People that are out there who are truly Christians and truly believe in the healing powers of God, that they offer prayer for the alleged victim and the people around that child, and also for Mr. Vandergraph and his family," James said.
The judge reduced Vandergraph's bond from $500,000 to $100,000 during his first appearance Friday morning. Vandergraph posted bond Friday afternoon. As part of the reduced bond, the judge ordered Vandergraph to stay at home, and not have contact with any children under the age of 18.
Vandergraph returns to court August 13, 2010 at 9 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.
By: Jeff Stensland
jstensland@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451972
