Bishop Finn not liable in child-porn lawsuit, Missouri judge rules

May 15, 2013

A federal judge in Missouri has ruled that the Diocese of Kansas City (Missouri) and Bishop Robert Finn cannot be held liable in a civil lawsuit against a priest who had lewd photos of the plaintiff.

Father Shawn Ratigan, who has entered a guilty plea to child-pornography charges, is now the defendant in a civil lawsuit, brought by the family of a young girl whose photos were found on the priest’s computer. Judge Gary Fenner ruled that while that lawsuit can go forward, the plaintiff cannot argue that the diocese and Bishop Finn aided Ratigan in collecting the photos. Last September, Bishop Finn was found guilty on a criminal charge of failing to report evidence of child abuse. The bishop has consistently said that he was not fully informed of the nature of the photos found on Ratigan's computer.

 

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Further information:

• Judge dismisses 1 count against KC diocese, bishop (Kansas City Star)
• Bishop Finn grateful for quick resolution of charges (CWN, 9/7)