KANSAS CITY (KS)
KCTV CBS 5 [Kansas City, MO]
July 31, 2026
By Julia Scammahorn
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is investigating what it calls a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor involving a priest who served in numerous local parishes and died more than 30 years ago.
The investigation into the Rev. Denis Pickert stems from a recent allegation published this week in The Leaven, the archdiocese’s newspaper. Pickert was 69 when he died in 1994.
Pickert served in KCK at St. Joseph Parish (now All Saints Parish); The Cathedral of St. Peter; and Christ the King Parish.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight deemed the newly reported allegation credible based on several factors, church officials said. However, the archdiocese emphasized that the ongoing investigation is not a determination of guilt and is seeking information from anyone with knowledge.
“In cases where the accused is deceased, the effects of trauma can remain with victims and survivors for many years,” a spokesperson for the archdiocese said. “The archdiocese acknowledges such trauma and encourages anyone who may have been harmed… to come forward.”
The inquiry is among several misconduct cases the archdiocese has made public in recent months.
On July 2, the archdiocese announced it had substantiated a sexual abuse allegation against former Bishop Miege High School teacher James Zimmer, who died in 2000, for abuse reported to have occurred between 1969 and 1984.
The announcements follow other recent leadership and legal challenges within the diocese.
Phil Baniewicz, the former president of Bishop Miege High School, was restricted from ministry in June and ultimately ousted by the board of trustees in August following allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor.
Separately, Father Richard Storey, a Leawood priest at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, was charged with felony theft in May after an audit revealed more than $159,000 in unauthorized church spending.
Church leaders urge anyone with knowledge of misconduct by church volunteers, employees, or clergy to contact civil authorities first, and then contact the archdiocese’s confidential report line at 913-276-8703 or online. Victims may also reach a Victim Care Advocate at 913-298-9244.
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