Father Shawn Ratigan to Be Sentenced in Child Porn Case

Kathy Quinn
September 12, 2013

http://fox4kc.com/2013/09/12/father-shawn-ratigan-to-be-sentenced-in-child-porn-case/

[with video]

A federal judge will sentence Father Shawn Ratigan in a child porn case that began in 2010.

The case against Ratigan began when a computer tech found hundreds of lewd pictures of five little girls on the his laptop. Ratigan pleaded guilty to four counts of producing child porn and one count of attempting to produce child pornography.

The pictures were taken by Ratigan on his camera and cell phone while he was a priest as several Kansas City parishes.

Bishop Robert Finn of the diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph, was convicted for not reporting Ratigan in December 2010 when the pictures were reported to him. Bishop Finn waited several months before telling authorities.

Ratigan faces 15-30 years on each count.

At least one victim’s parent is expected to testify during the sentencing.

Prosecutors are expected to ask for a virtual life sentence.