MISSOURI
The Kansas City Star
BY JUDY L. THOMAS
jthomas@kcstar.com
The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled two claims totaling $200,000 involving a former priest now serving prison time for producing child pornography.
The claims were made by a parent who alleged that Shawn Ratigan took obscene photos of her two minor daughters.
The out-of-court settlements, finalized last week, stemmed from a “friendly lawsuit” filed against the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners in 2014 in Jackson County Associate Circuit Court. Rebecca Randles, an attorney representing the family, said the lawsuit was filed to determine whether police had photos in their investigative files that would prove the girls were victims of Ratigan.
“Once it was determined that in fact pictures existed, we were able to settle the claims before filing a civil suit,” Randles said.
Diocesan spokesman Jack Smith on Monday confirmed the settlements and said they included an offer of counseling for the two girls and their mother if they desire it. He said the settlements will be funded by the diocese’s internal self-insurance program.
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