Missouri judge says Bishop Finn must face trial

April 05, 2012

A Missouri judge has rejected a bid for dismissal of criminal charges against Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City for allegedly failing to report evidence of sexual abuse.

Judge John Torrence ruled that the case against Bishop Finn should be brought to trial. He also rejected a bid by the bishop’s lawyers to separate the charges against the bishop from those against the diocese.

Judge Torrence found that state laws requiring officials to report evidence of sexual abuse were straightforward, and “persons of ordinary intelligence have no difficulty understanding the meaning of ‘immediately report.’” The judge said that a jury should be asked to determine whether the bishop had violated the law.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Jackson County trial against bishop, Catholic diocese to proceed, judge rules (Kansas City Star)
• Judge won’t dismiss misdemeanor charges against Kansas City Roman Catholic bishop, diocese (AP)
• Bishop Finn seeks dismissal of criminal charges in abuse case (CWN, 3/28)