Prosecutors in Jackson County have filed misdemeanor charges against the bishop and the Diocese of Kansas City and St Joseph in connection with child pornography allegations against a former St Joseph priest.

Bishop Robert Finn and the diocese are charged with failing to report in connection with the case involving the Rev. Shawn Ratigan.

The indictment asserts Finn and the diocese had reasonable cause to suspect that a child may be subjected to abuse due to previous knowledge of concerns regarding Father Ratigan, and the discovery of hundreds of photographs of children on Father Ratigan’s laptop.

His lawyer says Bishop Finn denies any criminal wrongdoing and has cooperated at all stages with law enforcement, the grand jury, the prosecutor’s office, and the Graves Commission. We will continue our efforts to resolve this matter.

Finn released the following statement in which he promised to meet the announced charges with “a steady resolve and a vigorous defense.”

“I ask the prayerful support and unity of our priests, our people, the parishes, and the Catholic institutions. With continued dedication, we will persevere in the many good works that are the hallmark of the faithful people of the diocese throughout its 27 counties and nearly 150-year heritage,” Finn wrote.

“With deep faith, we will weather this storm and never cease to fulfill our mission, even in moments of adversity.”