New Lenox Police Probe Of Fr. McGrath Seeks More Witnesses

NEW LENOX, IL - On Wednesday, New Lenox Police Chief Bob Sterba said his agency continues to investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior by the ex-principal and ex-president of Providence Catholic High School. Fr. Richard McGrath was forced to retire abruptly in December. Sterba told Patch it would help his detectives if people affiliated with the Providence community, past or present, come forward with any credible information about McGrath in the interest of truth and justice.

Sterba said that New Lenox Police Detective Sgt. Micah Nuesse is running the investigation surrounding Fr. McGrath and allegations of misconduct spanning his tenure at Providence, which ran from 1985 until Dec. 22, 2017. Sterba emphasized that it does not matter how far back the incidents involving McGrath may date. People interested in contacting Nuesse can do so by calling New Lenox Police at 815-462-6100.

"We're looking into any untoward behaviors towards students," Sterba said. "In addition to the telephone investigation, we're also interested in any other untoward behavior in the past, and it really does not matter how long ago that was."

In December, the Joliet Diocese issued a statement indicating there were allegations of inappropriate material on McGrath's mobile device and that his retirement as Providence's president was effective immediately. Fr. John "Merk" Merkelis has been named as interim president at Providence.

Meanwhile, the mobile device in question that may contain sexually explicit images or videos that violate the law is not in the possession of New Lenox Police as of yet.

"To the best of my knowledge, it's still in the possession of Father McGrath. That's my understanding," Chief Sterba told Patch on Wednesday.

Sterba said he's under the impression the phone belonged to Providence or the Diocese of Joliet, but neither arm of the Catholic church has been able to get it back from the ousted Providence president.

Without sufficient probable cause and solid evidence, "we as a police department are subject to the laws and subject to the Constitution and we have to operate within certain parameters," Sterba pointed out.

From the chief's perspective, Providence and the Augustinian Order has been cooperative and responsive to the New Lenox Police Department to the extent that they can be. Sterba pointed out that New Lenox Police aren't able to dictate policies and disciplinary measures to the church or the high school.

"In fairness (to them), he refused to turn his phone over to them," Sterba said of Fr. McGrath. "They asked and he refused to do so ..."

So far, McGrath has not made any public statement about his removal from Providence, and he has not spoken with New Lenox Police. However, McGrath's apparent decision to lay low for the time being should not be taken as a sign that he is in the clear, particularly related to the cell phone material.

"We're currently exploring other avenues to further the case along," Sterba explained Wednesday.

Sterba has been New Lenox's chief of police since September 2008. Before coming to work for Mayor Tim Baldermann, Sterba had spent 31 years in the Palos Heights Police Department where he rose through the ranks and served as deputy chief. Before that he was a detective, sergeant and lieutenant.

From the chief's vantage point, his department wants to make sure that if they move forward with criminal charges, their case is rock solid. That's why it's crucial for people in the Providence community, notably, students or staff from years past, to reach out to Det. Sgt. Nuesse, if they have useful information surrounding "any inappropriate conduct whatsoever, no matter how long ago it was," Sterba said, concerning Fr. McGrath.

In an email correspondence sent to Providence staff on Sunday night, Fr. Merkelis informed everyone that McGrath is no longer residing on the New Lenox campus at the friary. For now, Providence is not revealing Fr. McGrath's whereabouts, but Merkelis knows where he is. Fr. Merkelis informed the Providence staff that he is collecting cards and letters for McGrath.

"Any cards or notes can be placed in his mailbox and I will make sure they are delivered to him," Fr. Merkelis informed everyone.

Additionally, Fr. McGrath helped out on weekends and often said the school Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mokena for a number of years.

However, Chief Sterba said he fully expects Providence representatives "would be a facilitator" if New Lenox Police reach the point where they need to locate Fr. McGrath.

Image of Chief Bob Sterba via LinkedIn used with permission