Trial of Bishop Finn moved forward; judge will hear case tomorrow
September 05, 2012
The criminal trial of Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City, Missouri, which was scheduled to open on September 24, has been moved up to Thursday, September 6, and will involve a decision by a judge rather than a full jury trial.
Missouri prosecutors and lawyers for the Kansas City diocese have agreed to present their arguments to a judge, who could issue his verdict on the same day. The agreement allows both parties to avoid the expense and notoriety associated with a public trial.
Bishop Finn faces two misdemeanor charges for alleging failing to inform police about evidence of a priest’s possible involvement in the sexual abuse of children. The priest in question, Father Shawn Ratigan, has pleaded guilty to federal child-pornography charges and still faces other criminal and civil charges.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Bishop Finn’s trial moved to Thursday, now without a jury (Kansas City Star)
- Bishop Finn's lawyers move to exclude evidence from trial (CWN, 8/21)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
