KMBC
October 14, 2011
http://www.kmbc.com/r/29486658/detail.html
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| Bishop Robert Finn |
Jackson County prosecutors filed misdemeanor charges against Bishop Robert Finn and the Kansas City diocese on Friday.
The charge is failing to report in connection with the case involving the Rev. Shawn Ratigan.
According to the indictment, Finn and the diocese "had reasonable cause to suspect that a child may be subjected to abuse due to: previous knowledge of concerns regarding Father Ratigan and children; the discovery of hundreds of photographs of children on Father Ratigan's laptop."
Ratigan remains in jail in Clay County. He is facing three state charges of possessing child pornography and a 13-count federal indictment on similar charges.
“Bishop Finn denies any criminal wrongdoing and has cooperated at all stages with law enforcement, the grand jury, the prosecutor’s office, and the Graves Commission. We will continue our efforts to resolve this matter,” said Gerald Handley, who is the counsel for Finn.
Finn released the following statement:
"Today, the Jackson County Prosecutor issued these charges against me personally and against the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph. For our part, we will meet these announcements with a steady resolve and a vigorous defense.
"I ask the prayerful support and unity of our priests, our people, the parishes, and the Catholic institutions. With continued dedication, we will persevere in the many good works that are the hallmark of the faithful people of the diocese throughout its 27 counties and nearly 150-year heritage. With ever stronger determination, we will form, teach, and protect children and care for the spiritual and material needs of people who look daily to the diocese for assistance.
"With deep faith, we will weather this storm and never cease to fulfill our mission, even in moments of adversity.”
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