Archdiocese Investigating Allegation against International Priest
The Leaven
On April 2, the Safe Environment Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas received a report alleging abuse of a minor by Father Anthony Putti, a priest of the Diocese of Guntur, India, where he currently resides. The archdiocese has never received any other allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor against Father Putti. Father Putti denies the allegation. His bishop has also been informed. He served in the archdiocese before and while pursuing graduate studies in theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Ill. Upon completing his studies, Father Putti was assigned in July 2008 as pastor of St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, and St. Malachy Parish, Beattie. He was assigned to assist at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, from June 2003 until beginning graduate studies in September 2005 and at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, in summer 2007. In September 2010, Father Putti resigned his pastoral duties and was recalled to his home diocese after admitting to sexual relations with an adult who had requested privacy in the matter. Archdiocesan policies place the protection of children as the first priority. Furthermore, the archdiocese respects the sincere concerns of all individuals who bring forth allegations of misconduct and is thus committed to conducting a thorough investigation. However, it is important to remember that all accused persons should be presumed innocent unless evidence proves otherwise. While serving in the archdiocese, Father Putti participated in safe environment training and had a clear background check on file as required by the child protection policy. In accord with archdiocesan policies, local law enforcement and the Kansas Department for Children and Families have been contacted and the chairman of the Independent Review Board has been notified. The archdiocese encourages any person who believes they have been sexually abused by any cleric, employee or volunteer of any archdiocesan parish, school or agency, regardless of when such abuse may have occurred, to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator at (913) 647-0324, the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051, or to contact local law enforcement.
Anyone having information pertinent to this investigation is encouraged to contact the archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator and/or local law enforcement. Director of Communications (913) 948-3996 rhammes@archkck.org Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas 12615 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66109
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