Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO - BishopAccountability.org

41 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. James J. Ahern

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Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as accused by the KC-St. Joseph diocese on its list 9/5/19 It notes a single, substantiated allegation. Ahern died 9/14/70.

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Fr. John C. Baskett

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Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Died: 06/23/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in 2007 of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 1952 after using alcohol to incapacitate her. Suit filed 3/08. Abuse included intercourse and continued through 1954. He was then transferred to a parish later located in the Jefferson City, MO diocese. Became Air Force chaplain in 1955, first as part of Kansas City MO, then as Springfield-Cape Girardeau priest. Per Catholic Directories, had a Kitty Hawk, NC address, in the Raleigh diocese 1978-79. Died 6/23/95 in Las Vegas. Civil suit settled 8/08 in $10M settlement involving 12 priests. On Springfield-Cape Giradeau diocese's list updated 4/1/19. It notes that he left the priesthood in 1975. On KC-St. Joseph diocese's list 9/5/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Michael E. Brewer

Ordained: 1986
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a 1993 lawsuit of allegedly fondling a 17-year-old boy in 1990, during an overnight at the rectory. When informed, the diocese's answer was "this happens to young men all the time" and that the victim "would get over it." Trial court dismissed 6 of 9 counts against defendants. Appeals court allowed claims of negligent supervision. MO Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that judges and juries should not question how the church supervises its clergy. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19 of accused clergy, with multiple substantiated allegations. Denied allegations. Permanently removed from ministry. Moved to CO in 1995. Became an attorney, involved with a foundation in Boulder with a mission to serve disadvantaged youth and their families.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Robert M. Cameron

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 06/26/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 9/5/19. It notes a single, substantiated allegation. Cameron died in 2015.

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Fr. Philip J. Coury

Order: CM
Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Worked in TX, MO, IL, CO. The Diocese of KC-St. Joseph announced on 4/6/2017 that it had received a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Coury while he was on staff at St. John Minor Seminary 1975-1978. The Order restricted Coury's public ministry prior to notifying the Diocese. Included on Diocese's list 9/5/2019. Permanently removed from ministry. On the Vincentians list in 2020, which notes abuse in the 1980s reported in 2010, and that he was removed from ministry and living under supervision. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Vincentians Western Province List 12.07.20

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Fr. Thomas Cronin

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

A woman filed suit 10/10 in MO alleging she was abused by both Cronin and Fr. John Tulipana at separate times.T old diocese in 2009 that in 1979, at age 17, she confessed to Cornin that she was being sexually abused by a relative. She said Cronin molested her on multiple occasions. He left KC in 1996 to work as a hospital chaplain in Reno NV. "Retired" in 2004. Worked as Administrator of St. Mary in the Mountains in NV in 2010, per their bulletin. Removed 10/22/10. Involved with Rachel's Sanctuary (for homeless women) in NV. Included on KC-St. Joseph diocese's list 9/5/19, deemed "unsuitable for ministry out of concern for the safety of our youth."

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Robert Noel Deming

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 9/5/19. A single substantiated allegation noted. Deming died in 2019.

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Fr. James H. Ford

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Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

A civil suit filed in 2/12 alleges that Ford abused a boy in the 1970s. He worked as associate pastor in three parishes in the Kansas City area 1973 - 1983, completed an advanced degree and then worked for a religious training center for adults. Resigned from ministry in 1986. Died in 1992, possibly of AIDS. One accuser went to the diocese in 1995. Accepted counseling and settlement. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19, with multiple substantiated allegations.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

KCTV 02.10.12
Kansas City Star 02.23.12
Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph List 09.05.19

Fr. Burton J. Fraser

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 05/6/1971
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Ordained for the Missouri Province, member of the Wisconsin Province when it was formed in 1955. Educated in MO and KS. Assigned in WI, SD, CO, NE. Studied Spanish 1950-1951 in Coyoacan, Mexico in the Archdiocese of Mexico City. Died 5/6/1971. Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Central Province on its list 12/7/2019. Allegation of abuse in the 1950s reported after his death; unclear as to where the alleged abuse occurred. On the Midwest Province list 12/17/2019. It notes a single allegation reported after his death of abuse while a military chaplain 1953-1957.

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Fr. Martin Henry Froeschl

Ordained: 1949
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Monsignor. Died 11/5/06. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 12/13 by a man, age 50, of sexually abusing him as a boy, ages 9-11, while assigned to Guardian Angels in Kansas City. Allegedly, Froeschl gave his accuser and other boys wine, and the abuse included sodomy. Per the diocese, the A.G. "determined no substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor." The lawsuit settled in 2014 for $277K.

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Br. Richard Geimer

Order: FSC
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Terminated from position at Archbishop O'Hara High School 11/13 after student found one picture on his school computer and notified the school administrators 10/13. He had been at the school for 28 years. Principal said picture was disturbing enough (and involved a youth) to warrant immediate termination, even before FBI completed its investigation.

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Fr. John Giacopelli

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Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 9/5/19. It notes a single substantiated allegation. Giacopelli died in 2018.

Sources:

Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph List 09.05.19

Bishop Joseph Hubert Hart

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Died: 08/23/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

KC-St. Joseph priest, Cheyenne bishop 1976-2001. Resigned. Two allegations to KC-St. Joseph in 1989 and 1992 of abuse of boys in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Psych eval, returned to ministry in WY. Accused in 2002 of abusing a boy in 1976 in WY. D.A. cleared, accuser discredited. Accused in 2004 suit by three men of abuse as boys. More suits in 2005. Settled in 8/2008. New suit in 11/2011. Settlements in 2014. By 7/2018 named by 10 in lawsuits. Investigation in 2018 after a man alleged abuse as child in WY. Investigator said credible, that the 2002 investigation was flawed and those claims were credible. Report to Vatican in 5/2018. Restrictions on Hart continued; he denied accusations. Investigation reopened in 8/2018. Diocese announced three new credible allegations in 9/2019. WY prosecutors again did not pursue. Per Cheyenne list in 11/2019, there were six male accusers of abuse as teens 1977-1983. "Cleared" in 1/2021 by the Vatican on seven accusations; said five others could not be proven; two of the boys were ages 16 and 17 when abused, so unable to prosecute as not minors, per Church. The diocese reportedly said Hart was accused of the abuse of 11 males and one female. In 10/2022 Hart, age 91, was to return to KC to live in a senior facility. Reportedly in 6/2023, Hart did not relocate to KC after all. Died 8/23/2023.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Alan Hartway

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

The KC-St. Joseph diocese announced on 7/31/20 that it had received a credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor against Hartway. The Order announced the allegation the previous day. The abuse occurred when Hartway was assigned to St. James in Liberty, MO. Hartway was pastor of a Mead, CO parish when removed 11/27/19, due to the allegation. Included on the diocese's list of those with substantiated allegations. Permanently removed from ministry.

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Fr. Mark A. Honhart

Ordained: 1980
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a 3/11 civil suit of molesting an 8- to 9-year-old boy at Holy Cross in KC 1985-86. Settled in 2015. Fr. Hugh Monahan was accused of abusing the same boy when he was 13. Honhart worked in MO 1980-2002 before transferring to PA in 2003. KC -St. Joseph diocese said no complaints made to superiors in MO during ministry. Placed on leave by Scranton diocese 2/2/11 "for health reasons" after it learned of accusations. Also worked in NM. New suits filed in 8/11 and 11/11. Named in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report, in which name misspelled "Honart." On Scranton diocese's list 8/19/18. On KC-St. Joseph list 9/5/19 with multiple substantiated allegations. Permanently removed from ministry.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Sylvester J. Hoppe

Ordained: 1946
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

A man filed suit in California in 6/02 alleging abuse by Hoppe for three years, beginning when he was age 12 in 1951. The suit said abuse took place in MO and at Boy Scout Jamboree in California. Hoppe, age 90, was banned from celebrating mass. Accuser said he told police in 1985; no record of complaint found. Suit settled 9/03 for $10K. Two more men filed suit in 2005 alleging abuse by Hoppe in the 1950s. Hoppe died in 2002. Claims settled in 8/08 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. In 12/17 the diocese confirmed that there was a seventh claim of child sexual abuse against Hoppe, dating to 1953-56. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19 of clergy with substantiated allegations.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Joseph Jakubowski

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Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 9/5/19. Noted to have multiple substantiated allegations against him. Died in 2005.

Sources:

Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph List 09.05.19

Br. Earl Johnson

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Order: OFM Cap
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a 6/2008 civil suit of abusing a boy at St. Elizabeth's in Kansas City for three years during the 1970s. Per the suit, on one occasion a priest closed a door to the room where the abuse was going on. Johnson left the order at some point and in 2008 was possibly working in Kansas City as a public elementary school teacher. Claim settled in 8/2008 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Included on the diocese's 9/5/2019 list.

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Fr. James Lawbaugh

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Order: CM
Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a civil suit filed in 2/08 of abusing a 10-year-old boy at St. Vincent's in Kansas City in 1968. Left the priesthood in 1969 to marry. Living in FL at time of lawsuit. Denied the allegations. Claim settled in 8/08 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. On the Kansas CIty-St. Joseph diocese's list 9/5/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Kansas City Star 02.25.08
Kansas City Star 08.20.08
Kansas City Star 08.20.08
SNAP Statement 09.16.13
Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph List 09.05.19

Fr. Francis E. McGlynn

Ordained: 1954
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Retired in 1992; privileges removed 2002. Sued 2003. Plaintiff claimed McGlynn sexually abused him in 1971 and 1974 while Plaintiff was an altar boy at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Trial set for 10/07 but case settled 9/27/07 for $225K. Two women also filed separate suits in 2003 and 2004. The 2003 suit dismissed on SOL in 12/04. At least one claim settled in an 8/08 $10M settlement involving 12 priests. New suit filed by a woman 10/11 claimed abuse in 1963-64. McGlynn died in 5/12. Plaintiff dropped name from suit -- diocese still in. Included on the diocese's 9/5/19 list of accused clergy, with multiple substantiated allegations.

Fr. Hugh F. Monahan

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Six men filed five suits in the early 2000s alleging abuse as boys by Monahan,1970s to the mid-1980s. One of the plaintiffs was Monahan's nephew, who claimed the abuse began when he was age 11, went on for five years, and included rape. Another said he lived with Monahan for a time and the diocese knew it. Monahan took leave from the priesthood in 1973, then returned. Left again in 1989. May have moved to Puerto Rico. Claims settled 8/08 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Monahan and another priest were named in new suit filed by a man in 3/11. Also named in a 8/11 suit. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19, with multiple substantiated allegations. Laicized. Said in 11/21 to have married in 2000 and to be living in FL.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Stephen J. Muth

Ordained: 1982
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Ordained in Toronto, Canada. Removed from KC position in 2004 after an allegation surfaced that he abused a 12-year-old boy in 1992 and again later when the accuser was an adult. Member of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Ohio, administrator of a parish in the KC-St. Joseph diocese. Civil suit filed in 4/2006. Investigated and cleared by the diocese. Civil suit against Muth and Parma dismissed in 4/2009. Per news in 6/2019, Muth was in active ministry in MO, TX and then in Whiting, IN, retiring in 1/2018. Placed on administrative leave by the Eparchy in 10/2018. Included on the Wichita diocese's list 9/20/2019. On KC-St. Joseph diocese's list 9/5/2019.

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Fr. Thomas J. O’Brien

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Monsignor. Multiple allegations of the abuse of minors. Chaplain at a Kansas City MO Hospital until he retired in 4/2002. Often worked in schools. Several plaintiffs filed suit in 1/2004 against O'Brien and two other priests. More suits filed 2004-2005. Settlement of one announced in 4/2007. Some claims settled in 8/2008 as part of a $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Named in new suits in 2/2011, 9/2011 and 11/2011. One was a wrongful death suit in the case of the 1983 suicide of a 14-year-old alleged victim. Named in over two dozen lawsuits. Wrongful death suit settled for $2.25M in 7/2013 during jury selection. Died in 10/2013. Settlement in 2014 for $10M with 31 plaintiffs involving 13 priests, including O'Brien. On the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese's list updated 4/1/2019, which notes allegations of abuse 1950-1954, reported in 2013. On the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph list 9/5/2019.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Thomas Parrott

Order: CM
Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Ordained for the Vincentians. Incardinated in 1974 into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Allegation in 2010 that Parrott molested a boy over two years, beginning when the boy was age 14 in 1966 and a student at St. John's Minor Seminary in Kansas City. Parrott was his spiritual advisor and confessor. Parrott's accuser settled with the Vincentians. Parrott retired from Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese in 1987 and moved to Florida. He died in 1/1996. Included on the Springfield-Cape Girardeau list 4/1/2019. Also on the Vincentians list in 2020, which notes multiple allegations of abuse occurring in the late-1950s to mid-1960s, reported in 2002. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Bede Parry

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1983
Status: Sued

Died: 11/27/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

A 6/2011 lawsuit alleged Parry, then a Benedictine priest and boys' choir director at Conception Abbey in northwest MO, sexually abused a boy in 1987 at summer choir camp. Parry had been affiliated with the abbey since 1973. He admitted to the Abbot in 1981 that he had been involved in three "inappropriate relationships" 1973-1979. Dismissed in 2002. Became an Episcopal priest in Las Vegas 10/15/2004. Resigned in 2011 after the suit was filed. Admitted to abuse of several. A second suit filed 7/2011. Died 11/27/2013. Included on the Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019. (No known allegations there.) On the Conception Abbey Benedictines' list 8/5/2019. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 5/19/21, which notes assignments there in 1978, 1990 and 1992.

Fr. Regis Probstfield

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 11/4/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly by the Conception Abbey Benedictines on their list 8/5/19. Abuse alleged to have occurred in Missouri in 1976. Reportedly worked off and on at Conception Abbey before 1981, then became pastor in Parnel. Also worked in North Dakota, returning to the Abbey in 1996. Probstfield died 11/4/08. Given name Vernon Charles Probstfield. Brother of accused priest Edgar Probstfield, O.S.B.

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Fr. Shawn Francis Ratigan

Ordained: 2004
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

School principal complained of behavior 5/10. Not removed from St. Patrick until 12/10, after child porn found on laptop.Tried suicide. Police told of one picture but said not porn. Assigned to say mass for nuns. Reported to police 5/11. Arrested 5/19/11. Sued several times. Some civil suits settled, including one for $1.3M. Two more settled 2/14 for $1.8M. Pled guilty to federal pornography charges in 2013. Sentenced to 50 years 9/11/13. Sentenced to three 7-year sentences 10/13 on state charges. Laicized in 1/14. Federal Appeals Court upheld the 50-year sentence 07/24/14. On diocese's list 9/5/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Thomas M. Reardon

Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Died: 01/16/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

First suits filed in 2004 by six who alleged abuse by Reardon and two other priests at a lake home or at church. The priests allegedly would give the kids drugs and alcohol. Reardon left active ministry in 1989 and resigned from the priesthood. Worked as substance abuse counselor. Suit against Reardon and one other priest settled in 4/2007. Other claims settled in 8/2008 as part of a $10M settlement involving twelve priests. Named in 2/2011, 4/2011 and 1120/11 suits claiming abuse of boys. At least 24 accusers. Suit filed in 7/2018. On diocese's list 9/5/2019; multiple substantiated allegations noted. Laicized. Credible allegation announced 10/2020 of abuse of a child in 1972 at Camp Little Flower; Reardon was camp director. Settlement in 2021. Died 1/16/2022 at a senior living facility in south Kansas City.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Michael Rice

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Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19 under the category, "Clergy who have served in Diocese of KCSJ found by the Diocesan Bishop to be unsuitable for ministry out of concern for the safety of our youth." Retired in the early 2000s. Per a news account in 2002, Rice allowed accused priest Thomas Ward to assist at St. Margaret's in Lee Summit, where Rice was pastor.

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Fr. Alexander B. Sinclair

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a lawsuit that settled in 2021 for $60K of physically and sexually abusing a minor at St. John's [High School] Seminary. Sinclair died 9/23/20.

Sources:

Kansas City Star 04.07.21

Bishop Joseph Vincent Sullivan

Ordained: 1945
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Ordained for Diocese of Kansas City, MO. Auxiliary Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese 1967-74. Bishop of Baton Rouge Diocese 1974-1982. Died 9/4/82. Accused in a 4/04 lawsuit of abusing a 17-year-old boy in 1975. Baton Rouge diocese's review board deemed claim "serious and deserving of careful attention." Settled 10/04; sealed. Named in 2005 suit in HI dating to time in KC; settled 2007. New suit filed in 2007 in TX; settled 10/09 for $225K. On Baton Rouge diocese's list in early 2019. It notes multiple allegations reported 2004, 2005, 2007, of abuse 1974-82. On Corpus Christi diocese's list 1/31/19. On KC-St. Joseph diocese's list 9/5/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Hugh Tasch

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 06/28/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Conception Abbey Benedictines on their list 8/5/19. Abuse alleged to have occurred in Missouri. Tasch died 6/28/17. Given name was Robert Leo Tasch.

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Fr. Michael Tierney

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a 9/30/10 lawsuit of fondling a 13-year-old boy in 1971 when the boy was helping move items at Tierney's mother's house. Diocese learned of allegations in 2008. Named in two other suits. Retired with privileges. Removed from ministry in 6/11 due to credible reports of sexual misconduct with minors in 1970s-80s. Tierney denied the misconduct. Named in a second suit 6/30/11 claiming 1970s abuse. More suits 7/11 and 10/11. Parts of original suit dismissed 7/11 and 5/12. Dismissal upheld by Appeals Court 11/13. Included in 2014 massive settlement. On diocese's 9/5/19 list, which notes multiple substantiated allegations. Permanently removed from ministry. Died 12/15/20. He had been laicized 12/11/20.

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Fr. Isaac True

Order: OSB
Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

A man filed suit in 9/11 alleging abuse by True (a relative) and by Msgr. Thomas O'Brien when the accuser was a 9-year-old altar boy at Nativity Church in Independence in late the 1970s. True would also allegedly abuse him during visits to his home, and on trips. True was President-Rector of Conception Seminary 1973-88. Also worked at Blessed Sacrament Parish, in Bethany, Mo. Lawsuit against order settled 11/13 for $125K. Removed from ministry. Included on the Conception Abbey Benedictines list of credibly accused 8/5/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. John Tulipana

Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Resigned in 1/94 after reports that the diocese paid $150K to a youth in 1989 after he accused Tulipana of sexually abusing him. A second allegation also was settled with a payment. Tulipana was counseling a victim of earlier abuse by (future) Bishop A. O'Connell when knowledge became public. This victim immediately went to the diocese and disclosed abuse by O'Connell. Named in a 12/06 civil suit regarding 1978 abuse in TX. Claims settled in 8/08. New suit by a woman filed10/10. Four brothers filed another suit 2/12. Died 11/5/12. On diocese's list 9/5/19 with multiple substantiated allegations noted. Suit filed in 7/20 claims abuse in 1977 of a boy, age 13, at Coronation of Our Lady in Grandview. The boy gone to Tulipana for counseling after his father died of cancer.

Fr. James Urbanic

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Removed in 7/11 after recent allegations of sexual improprieties with two minors in the 1970s, while assigned to St. Francis Xavier Church in St. Joseph. Review board found allegations credible. He admitted to order that early in his priesthood he acted inappropriately. Previously served as provincial for the Society. Named by one plaintiff in a civil suit filed 2/8/12. Plaintiff said abuse occurred in mid-1970s at Bishop LeBlond High School. Suit settled 12/13 for $130K. On diocese's list 9/5/19, noting multiple substantiated allegations. Permanently removed from ministry.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Peter Clement Vatter

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Ordained: 1916
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Died 11/29/1950. In 4/20 the diocese announced that it had substantiated an allegation that Vatter sexually abused a child in the late 1940s, while pastor of Immaculate Conception in Moberly. The parish was renamed St. Pius X and became part of the Jefferson City diocese when it was formed in 1956.

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Fr. Thomas J. Ward

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Ordained: 1962
Status: Settled

Died: 11/4/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Suspended in 1993 or early 1994 for nine months. Reinstated. When he was reassigned in 1994, the bishop wrote to parishioners that Ward's evaluation "gave no reason to believe that the allegations might be true." A 1994 civil suit alleged Ward abused a boy for 10 years, beginning when the boy was 14. Suit settled 1999 in for $20K. "Retired" in 1996; continued to be active part-time. Claims settled in 8/08 as part of $10M settlement involving 12 priests. Died 11/4/12. On the diocese's list 9/5/19, with multiple substantiated allegations noted.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Thomas Waterman

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Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 9/5/19. It notes one substantiated allegation. Waterman died in 1998.

Sources:

Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph List 09.05.19

Fr. Jerry Joseph Wegenek

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

In 2012 the diocese acknowledged that it had removed Wegenek from ministry in 6/94 after an allegation that he had been involved in sexual misconduct with a teenage boy in the 1970s. A man told the diocese in 2001 that he had been abused by Wegenek. On 9/13/12 a man filed a civil suit alleging Wegenek gave him alcohol and repeatedly raped him beginning at age 10 and lasting several years, when Wegenek was assigned to St. Gabriel and St. Patrick parishes in Kansas City, MO in the late 1960s. Wegenek died in 2011. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19, which notes multiple substantiated allegations.

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Fr. Stephen Wise

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Ordained: 1979
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph MO

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/08 of molesting a boy at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception over a four-year period in the late 1970s. Wise left the priesthood in 1986 and later married. At least one claim was included in an 8/08 $10M settlement involving 12 priests. New civil suit filed 10/11 by a man claiming Wise abused him for two years when he was ages 10-12, and that a bishop knew of allegations against Wise before the abuse. Laicized. Included on the diocese's list 9/5/19, with multiple substantiated allegations noted.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.