Bishop's Lawyer Files Motion to Dismiss

By Justin Schmidt
KCTV
March 28, 2012

http://www.kctv5.com/story/17270123/bishops-lawyer-files-motion-to-dismiss


[with video]

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -

A judge will rule by the end of next week whether to dismiss criminal misdemeanor charges against Bishop Robert Finn and the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Lawyers made arguments in Jackson County Court for about two hours Tuesday afternoon.

Prosecutors said Finn and the Catholic Diocese should have reported possible sexual abuse by Rev. Shawn Ratigan in 24 hours as required by state law. Prosecutors said the diocese knew about the abuse in December of 2010 but did not report in until May of 2011. Attorneys representing Finn said he wasn't the designated reporter for the diocese and charges against him should be dropped.

"We await the court's ruling," said Gerald Handly, an attorney for Finn. "We're not in a position to prejudge one way or the other. We hope for the best always. The bishop is in good spirits and says he appreciates your attention."

If the charges aren't dropped, Finn's lawyers argued that the charges against the diocese should be separated from the charges against the bishop and there should be two trials.

Judge John Torrence said this is an unusual case but will decide on whether to send this to trial by the end of next week.