Bishop Finn asks court to dismiss criminal charges

February 16, 2012

Lawyers for Kansas City’s Bishop Robert Finn have asked a Missouri court to dismiss criminal charges against him.

Bishop Finn was indicted in October 2011, charged with failure to report suspicions of sexual abuse by priest of the diocese. He became the first American bishop to face criminal charges because of his handling of the sex-abuse scandal.

Prosecutors have charged both Bishop Finn and the Kansas City diocese with misdemeanors, citing their delay in reporting suspicions about Father Shawn Ratigan, a priest who now faces child-pornography charges in federal court.

Bishop Finn has apologized for his handling of the Ratigan case, but has consistently said that he is innocent of any criminal conduct.

The Kansas City diocese is also asking for dismissal of the charges.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• KC bishop’s legal team fights to get criminal charges dropped (Kansas City Star)