Cops to investigate Ind. priest

GARY (IN)
Chicago Tribune

The Associated Press
Published December 23, 2003, 6:10 PM CST

GARY, Ind. — Gary police have agreed to investigate a Roman Catholic priest who church officials say admitted sexually abusing a minor more than 30 years ago.

Police Chief Garnett Watson said Tuesday that the department would investigate Monsignor Don Grass, who was removed from priestly ministry by the Gary Diocese this month. The investigation was requested by Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter.

Grass has admitted committing the abuse, which occurred while he was an associate pastor at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary in the late 1960s, the diocese said. No further details of the misconduct, including the age and gender of the victim, have been disclosed.

“We will investigate that case and we will also investigate any other allegations that come forward, if there are any,” Watson said.