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  SNAP Protest Calls for Action in Buchanan County

By Nathan Thomas
St. Joe Channel
August 24, 2011

http://stjoechannel.com/fulltext-news/?nxd_id=220017

St. Joseph, Mo.) A group that represents clergy abuse victims wants a new investigation launched in Buchanan County.

Snap, or the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, wants Buchanan County Prosecutor Dwight Scroggins to take action against former St. Joseph Priest Shawn Ratigan.

"There could be cover-ups by church officials. We have no idea if [Robert] Murphy intimidated witnesses here, or if he told church staffers to destroy files," says Barbara Dorris, victims outreach director. "We think now is the time to check into this to find out what took place in Buchanan County," she adds.

Ratigan faces multiple child pornography charges.

SNAP wrote a letter to Scroggins, requesting a grand jury investigation. When the group did not get a response, they came to town to ask him face to face.

The group believes there could be cover ups on the local level.



With a federal investigation already underway, Scroggins feels anything on the local level would be a waste of resources.

"Right now, us opening a separate investigation would not only not add anything, but might very well detract from the federal investigation," says Dwight Scroggins, Buchanan County Prosecutor. "We're not going to interfere with what we believe to be a thorough on going federal investigation into this matter," Scroggins adds.

SNAP did not meet one-on-one with Scroggins Wednesday, instead the representative said the appearance was more about making a statement.

Ratigan once worked at Bishop LeBlond and at St. Joseph's Parish in Easton.

 
 

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