Bishop Joseph Hubert Hart

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

KC-St. Jos. priest, Cheyenne bishop 1976-2001. Resigned. Two allegations to KC-St. Jos. in 1989 and ’92 of abuse of boys late 1960s-early ’70s. Psych eval, returned to ministry in WY. Accused 2002 of 1976 abuse of boy in WY. D.A. cleared, accuser discredited. Accused in 2004 suit by 3 men of abuse as boys. More suits 2005. Settled 8/08. New suit 11/11. Settlements 2014. By 7/18 named by 10 in lawsuits. Investigation 2018 after man alleged abuse as child in WY. Investigator said credible, that 2002 investigation was flawed and those claims credible. Report to Vatican 5/18. Restrictions on Hart continued; denied accusations. Investigation reopened in 8/18. Diocese announced 3 new credible allegations in 9/19. WY prosecutors again did not pursue. Per Cheyenne list 11/19, 6 male accusers of abuse 1977-83 as teens. “Cleared” in 1/21 by the Vatican on 7 accusations; said 5 others could not be proven; 2 of boys ages 16 and 17 not able to prosecute as not minors per Church when abused.

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.