By Deanna Truman-Cook
Des Moines Register
January 4, 2003

Authorities are investigating a Davenport priest after questionable files were found on a computer that had been in his possession, authorities said Friday.

Richard Poster is being investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff's Department. No charges have been filed.

The computer files were discovered Dec. 17, said a Diocese of Davenport report. Bishop William Franklin told the chancellor, Irene Prior Loftus, who reported the incident to police.

Poster was ordained in 1992 and served at Sacred Heart in Oxford Junction, St. James in Toronto, and Sacred Heart in Lost Nation. As a vicar, he was at St. Mary's in Iowa City, All Saints in Keokuk and St. John Vianney in Bettendorf.

Poster has been placed on administrative leave. He was director of liturgy for the Diocese of Davenport and associate publisher for the Catholic Messenger.

U.S. Catholic church leaders pledged in December to report all allegations involving children to law enforcement in their communities, even though the church leaders are compelled only to obey local civil law on reporting abuse.

The diocese in Davenport said it will cooperate with police. No diocesan action will be taken until the police investigation is completed, a report said.

Police declined to comment on the files Friday night. The diocese will not comment until the investigation is completed. Poster could not be reached Friday.