Priest charged with possessing child porn

[jfmarm81]

As the bishop himself has apologized for not having gone to the proper authorities back in December (one policeman and a lawyer were shown only one photo) I think it’s safe to assume that even he knows he booted it.

I find it disturbing that there are still those who try to split hairs so that a priest having taken photos up the skirts of little girls doesn’t sound as bad as it is.

I’m not sure what you are saying here…this is from the article at examiner.net:

Finn said he first contacted Kansas City police in December about the matter.

“At the same time the diocese showed the images to legal counsel,” Finn said in his statement. “In both instances we were told that, while very troubling, the photographs did not constitute child pornography as they did not depict sexual conduct or contact.”

In the above paragraph, he states that images were shown to both the police and to legal counsel. Not one image, but images. I’m not splitting hairs-taking photos up the skirts of any female is wrong, especially young girls. From further down the same article:

“When Shawn continued to disregard these requirements, on May 12 ,Vicar General Monsignor Robert Murphy contacted the same police officer previously consulted to discuss his concerns. That officer facilitated our report to the Cyber Crimes Against Children Unit. Along with our report, we provided the electronic images that we had received in December. Detective Maggie McGuire began an investigation. In the past week she conducted interviews and, pursuant to a search warrant, found additional materials, which had never been in our possession and which we did not know existed, and which are alleged to constitute child pornography.”

Note the last sentence. Materials that had never been in the possession of the diocese were shown to contain pornographic images. There is no doubt about it- this priest is a sick and disturbed man. However, while the KC Star story mentions images of the upskirt shots, it is unclear to me if they are referring to the images found in december or the images found just a few weeks ago.
If images were shown to both the police and legal counsel in december that contained up the skirt photos, I would be equally sick at the police/lawyers for not acting upon it more quickly. It again seems to me that based on the evidence found in december, this priest was not going to be able to be charged with anything. Therefore, Bishop Finn took the correct course of action. Knowing the Bishop as I do, I percieve him to be a very honest man, as well as smart. Knowing what we all do of what the church has done wrong regarding previous cases, I find it hard to believe that he would try to sweep this under the rug. Again, I respect all of your opinions, and do not mean to start a fight. I just wanted to give my insight on the situation. God Bless.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

If the images the diocese had were not illegal, why did they turn them over to the police and why did the police investigate? Why did it take the diocese 6 months? Yes, the police were able to expand the investigation since they could obtain warrants if they could show a good reason for doing so. The diocese had to have pornographic images in their possession for 6 months.

According to the bishop’s statement whatever they originally handed over to the police was not considered by anyone to be child pornography,. Months later when the priest continued with troubling behavior the diocese asked the police to conduct a full investigation. My guess is that since the diocese owned the property where the priest was living the diocese could give the police permission to search everything. It was at that time the police found child pornography on a different computer used by the priest.

Obviously the bishop, from his own statement, wishes he had given that permission sooner but inviting the police to raid your own property is not a decision to be entered into lightly.

 

[dixieagle]

I’m not sure what you are saying here…this is from the article at examiner.net:

Finn said he first contacted Kansas City police in December about the matter.

“At the same time the diocese showed the images to legal counsel,” Finn said in his statement. “In both instances we were told that, while very troubling, the photographs did not constitute child pornography as they did not depict sexual conduct or contact.”

In the above paragraph, he states that images were shown to both the police and to legal counsel. Not one image, but images. I’m not splitting hairs-taking photos up the skirts of any female is wrong, especially young girls. From further down the same article:

“When Shawn continued to disregard these requirements, on May 12 ,Vicar General Monsignor Robert Murphy contacted the same police officer previously consulted to discuss his concerns. That officer facilitated our report to the Cyber Crimes Against Children Unit. Along with our report, we provided the electronic images that we had received in December. Detective Maggie McGuire began an investigation. In the past week she conducted interviews and, pursuant to a search warrant, found additional materials, which had never been in our possession and which we did not know existed, and which are alleged to constitute child pornography.”

Note the last sentence. Materials that had never been in the possession of the diocese were shown to contain pornographic images. There is no doubt about it- this priest is a sick and disturbed man. However, while the KC Star story mentions images of the upskirt shots, it is unclear to me if they are referring to the images found in december or the images found just a few weeks ago.
If images were shown to both the police and legal counsel in december that contained up the skirt photos, I would be equally sick at the police/lawyers for not acting upon it more quickly. It again seems to me that based on the evidence found in december, this priest was not going to be able to be charged with anything. Therefore, Bishop Finn took the correct course of action. Knowing the Bishop as I do, I percieve him to be a very honest man, as well as smart. Knowing what we all do of what the church has done wrong regarding previous cases, I find it hard to believe that he would try to sweep this under the rug. Again, I respect all of your opinions, and do not mean to start a fight. I just wanted to give my insight on the situation. God Bless.

I think that the points of “contention” have to do with the fact that the details of the whole mess seem to change from one story to another. We are finally starting to see official police statements and statements from the bishop.

It sounded to me from the beginning as if the first image(s) were shown to one (likely friendly) police officer and diocesan lawyers. Apparently, the image wasn’t even shown - just described to a “ranking police officer who serves on a diocesan committee.” Quoting a police spokesman, the “friendly” officer was asked: "We have a single image of a young naked girl on a computer, nothing sexual in nature. Is that child pornography?” That officer was - apparently - also not told that there were other images, as well.

Now, for anyone with a modicum of sense, red flags should have gone up all over the place and a formal investigation launched, rather than relying on one officer who was known to be friendly to the diocese.

(As New England Priest pointed out in a previous post, the technician who discovered images should have contacted police himself, rather than hand the computer back…)

I also cannot get over the diocese handing the computer over to the priest’s family, rather than the police; the family destroyed it. (The diocese evidently made copies of the images, but, in effect, contributed to the destruction of evidence by not giving the computer to the police, who could have followed up to see if it had been used in any other illicit activity.)

The original officer finally suggested that a report be filed with the Cyber Crimes Against Children Unit, after a Monsignor approached him in mid-May.

Bishop Finn, in his most recent statement, said: “I deeply regret that we didn’t ask the police earlier to conduct a full investigation.” I’m sure that Bishop Finn is a good man; however, he is one of a long line of bishops with really poor judgment with regard to these issues.

The lesson to be learned (the hard way, as usual): If anything inappropriate turns up, CONTACT THE PROPER AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY and let them sort it out, rather than hoping it’s not as bad as you feared.

Read more: kansascity.com/2011/05/20/2891297/bishop-regrets-how-diocese-dealt.html#ixzz1N67ecLRY

 

[m134e5]

Yep, despite the fact that abuse occurs in Protestant and Jewish communities, including coverups, they don’t get nearly as much press.

I would very much like to see “diocese waited five months to hand images over to police” to become a thing of the past. I’m no expert but I can’t see a rational reason for that kind of thing. It makes the whole situation significantly worse and just gives critics more ammo.

You don’t just throw someone to the wolves and be rid of them when they just tried to kill themselves- especially not when you’re their bishop. The bishop consulted with a police officer and a lawyer to get informed advice on what to do. The image the diocese knew about at the time was disturbing, but not legally considered child pornography. Bishop Finn, in his statement, also said that he wished he had contacted the police sooner- after finding that there were more images that were much worse.

It is easy to point fingers and say “so and so should have done/said this or that” when it is just a news article to you. Funny how people who have the most answers haven’t lived through the situation. This happened in my town- at a parish I frequently went to. I just went to the parish this morning and saw parishioners doubled over in pain because of what a priest they loved so dearly and thought they knew had done. This priest was my friend and confessor. I watched this priest play with the school children and thought “what a great example of a father.” How I was fooled! It is easy to have the answers when you are far away and you are not dealing with people who are your friends and when you don’t have to concern yourself about answering for their souls on judgment day [as the bishop has responsibility for all the souls of his diocese].

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

It is particularly disturbing that the diocese (Kansas City - St. Joseph, MO) waited for 5 months before reporting what it had discovered to the police. Do they never learn???

kansascity.com/2011/05/19/2888348/priest-charged-with-possessing.html#storylink=misearch

After reading the article, it looked like they wanted to be sure they knew factual information - they we’re holding out and informed authorities as soon as they knew for sure what exactly he was doing. Seems like the responsible thing to do to me.

 

[jfmarm81]

After reading the article, it looked like they wanted to be sure they knew factual information - they we’re holding out and informed authorities as soon as they knew for sure what exactly he was doing. Seems like the responsible thing to do to me.

Yes, and agian, all the media in the area are reporting this as another Catholic cover-up. What most people who don’t live here don’t know is that the Kansas City paper is quite liberal and doesn’t exactly view the Catholic Church in a good light. This is part of the reason my family in the area canceled their subscriptions.
As someone said, it’s easy to make judgements when you are away from the area getting information from a newspaper article online. However., those of us closer to the story do side with Bishop Flinn on this. I haven’t seen any unbiased coverage on this story by any media outlet. I feel that what the Bishop did was right.
I will try and refrain from any further debate until more facts come to light. Until then, God Bless you all. I respect all of your opinions in the matter. What I think we should all do now is pray-for the victims, the priest, the diocese, and all involved in this trial.

 

[ChristIsTheWay]

You don’t just throw someone to the wolves and be rid of them when they just tried to kill themselves- especially not when you’re their bishop. The bishop consulted with a police officer and a lawyer to get informed advice on what to do. The image the diocese knew about at the time was disturbing, but not legally considered child pornography. Bishop Finn, in his statement, also said that he wished he had contacted the police sooner- after finding that there were more images that were much worse.

I did not say the bishop should have thrown this priest to the wolves. I made an original comment based on how this news was originally reported. If you feel that was in error, take that up with the journalist responsible, not me. Interestingly enough, the bishop’s own wish is that he had contacted police sooner. Doesn’t sound like my initial comment is all that different from his. I am not condemning the bishop or even this priest. The law will deal with the criminal aspects of this and God will handle the rest. I pray for all those involved.

It is easy to point fingers and say “so and so should have done/said this or that” when it is just a news article to you. Funny how people who have the most answers haven’t lived through the situation. This happened in my town- at a parish I frequently went to. I just went to the parish this morning and saw parishioners doubled over in pain because of what a priest they loved so dearly and thought they knew had done. This priest was my friend and confessor. I watched this priest play with the school children and thought “what a great example of a father.” How I was fooled! It is easy to have the answers when you are far away and you are not dealing with people who are your friends and when you don’t have to concern yourself about answering for their souls on judgment day [as the bishop has responsibility for all the souls of his diocese].

You and your parish are not the only people affected. Each and every scandal like this cuts a deep wound into all the people of the Church. This is not just a news article to me. I’ve lived through worse than this, friend. So don’t judge me and don’t take your anger out on me because this priest failed his people.

 

[creole54]

Yes, and agian, all the media in the area are reporting this as another Catholic cover-up. What most people who don’t live here don’t know is that the Kansas City paper is quite liberal and doesn’t exactly view the Catholic Church in a good light. This is part of the reason my family in the area canceled their subscriptions.
As someone said, it’s easy to make judgements when you are away from the area getting information from a newspaper article online. However., those of us closer to the story do side with Bishop Flinn on this. I haven’t seen any unbiased coverage on this story by any media outlet. I feel that what the Bishop did was right.
I will try and refrain from any further debate until more facts come to light. Until then, God Bless you all. I respect all of your opinions in the matter. What I think we should all do now is pray-for the victims, the priest, the diocese, and all involved in this trial.

I am close to the area and I don’t side with Bishop Finn in any way. My sister is a member of this parish and I can tell you the majority of the parishoners are devastated, hurt, angry and betrayed. They were lied to for five months about Fr. Shawn’s ‘accident’, his mental condition, the reason for his ‘transfer’. Mass there this morning was extremely tense and I won’t be surprised if there will be more than one parishoner that will have a crisis of faith over this.
Fr. Shawn was extremely beloved by the members of this parish. They trusted him. I’ve said a few rosaries this weekend for the children & their families, our priests & bishops and all the members of this parish who are hurt.
Unfortunately, this church had an elementary school attached to it. I just hope and pray that this is the end of the story and that nothing else comes up after they’ve finished interrogating the children.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

The Church has an established pattern of either not reporting these kinds of sickening things OR waiting inordinately LONG periods of time to do so. As the OP said, it IS quite disturbing!

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

Yes, and agian, all the media in the area are reporting this as another Catholic cover-up. What most people who don’t live here don’t know is that the Kansas City paper is quite liberal and doesn’t exactly view the Catholic Church in a good light. This is part of the reason my family in the area canceled their subscriptions.
As someone said, it’s easy to make judgements when you are away from the area getting information from a newspaper article online. However., those of us closer to the story do side with Bishop Flinn on this. I haven’t seen any unbiased coverage on this story by any media outlet. I feel that what the Bishop did was right.
I will try and refrain from any further debate until more facts come to light. Until then, God Bless you all. I respect all of your opinions in the matter. What I think we should all do now is pray-for the victims, the priest, the diocese, and all involved in this trial.

There is no such thing as unbiased coverage when it comes to the RCC in my opinion. It is the only organization that I have seen that faces ubiquitous hatred…in a way, it only confirms to be that I am on the right track!

I just feel incredibly sad that people use these tragedies to further their own political agendas instead of reaching out to those hurt by the incident. I agree with your call for prayer for all involved. You are indeed a true child of God.

 

[jfmarm81]

I am close to the area and I don’t side with Bishop Finn in any way. My sister is a member of this parish and I can tell you the majority of the parishoners are devastated, hurt, angry and betrayed. They were lied to for five months about Fr. Shawn’s ‘accident’, his mental condition, the reason for his ‘transfer’. Mass there this morning was extremely tense and I won’t be surprised if there will be more than one parishoner that will have a crisis of faith over this.
Fr. Shawn was extremely beloved by the members of this parish. They trusted him. I’ve said a few rosaries this weekend for the children & their families, our priests & bishops and all the members of this parish who are hurt.
Unfortunately, this church had an elementary school attached to it. I just hope and pray that this is the end of the story and that nothing else comes up after they’ve finished interrogating the children.

Thank you for your comments. I am sorry to hear of how the parishoners there feel. I will not ask which of the parishes you are referring to- my friends at one of the parishes who knew Father Shawn are more angry at the police and legal counsel than Bishop Finn. They feel that it was the police’s job to bring this to an investigation earlier. One thing that I think we can agree on is that something should have been done earlier as Father is a disturbed man.
Again, for me, I feel more anger to the police than to Bishop Finn, but Father Shawn was never a priest at my parish. I had only met him a few times…of course, he didn’t seem like the kind of person who would do this, but I guess they never do…I will continue to pray for all involved, especially those at your parish. I, too, hope the story ends here and there are no more victims.

 

[proud_irish]

Does these scandals never end,i am really fed up with all these scandals.The faithful is suffering every day over these evil priests,because thats what they are pure evil.I urge everyone to pray for all the children in the world who are suffering or have suffered abuse by evil priests.

 

[dixieagle]

Does these scandals never end,i am really fed up with all these scandals.The faithful is suffering every day over these evil priests,because thats what they are pure evil.I urge everyone to pray for all the children in the world who are suffering or have suffered abuse by evil priests.

Indeed, we should all pray, for children and others abused by priests…or by their parents, teachers, aunts, uncles (as most abuse, sadly, happens at the hands of family or “friends”.)

It’s just that we expect more - and should - from men of God.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Does these scandals never end,i am really fed up with all these scandals.The faithful is suffering every day over these evil priests,because thats what they are pure evil.I urge everyone to pray for all the children in the world who are suffering or have suffered abuse by evil priests.

As long as there’s original sin then scandals will never end…

 

[Phemie]

I’m glad to hear that. Maybe it is just my area.

In mine when an Anglican priest was arrested for that you had to read to end of the article to find out he was Anglican because the headline just said ‘PRIEST’, leaving everyone with the impression that he was Catholic.

 

[steve711]

Pedophiles occur in a certain percentage of the population. These can be Priests, lawyers, doctors, politicians, teachers, etc. We as parents must always be on guard when it comes to our children, regardless of the school, church, or places they attend.

We must pray for the victims and all whom were involved here.

Go with Gods Grace!!!

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

Pedophiles occur in a certain percentage of the population. These can be Priests, lawyers, doctors, politicians, teachers, etc. We as parents must always be on guard when it comes to our children, regardless of the school, church, or places they attend.

We must pray for the victims and all whom were involved here.

Go with Gods Grace!!!

I say this to add on to what you said - which I agree with so much.

THe responsibility isn’t just for parents either. ALL people need to take up the charge to defend the helpless of society. Whether it’s your kid, your neighbor’s kid, a kid that goes to your church - it doesn’t matter! If you see suspicious behaviour, REPORT IT IMMEDAITELY!!!

 

[m134e5]

I did not say the bishop should have thrown this priest to the wolves. I made an original comment based on how this news was originally reported. If you feel that was in error, take that up with the journalist responsible, not me. Interestingly enough, the bishop’s own wish is that he had contacted police sooner. Doesn’t sound like my initial comment is all that different from his. I am not condemning the bishop or even this priest. The law will deal with the criminal aspects of this and God will handle the rest. I pray for all those involved.

You and your parish are not the only people affected. Each and every scandal like this cuts a deep wound into all the people of the Church. This is not just a news article to me. I’ve lived through worse than this, friend. So don’t judge me and don’t take your anger out on me because this priest failed his people.

creole54:

I am close to the area and I don’t side with Bishop Finn in any way. My sister is a member of this parish and I can tell you the majority of the parishoners are devastated, hurt, angry and betrayed. They were lied to for five months about Fr. Shawn’s ‘accident’, his mental condition, the reason for his ‘transfer’. Mass there this morning was extremely tense and I won’t be surprised if there will be more than one parishoner that will have a crisis of faith over this.

Fr. Shawn was extremely beloved by the members of this parish. They trusted him. I’ve said a few rosaries this weekend for the children & their families, our priests & bishops and all the members of this parish who are hurt.

Unfortunately, this church had an elementary school attached to it. I just hope and pray that this is the end of the story and that nothing else comes up after they’ve finished interrogating the children.

What was the diocese supposed to do? Unleash the public on him so they can drive him even deeper into the despair that was already so bad that he wanted to take his own life? The bishop consulted with a lawyer and a police officer- what the priest had on his computer in December, as disturbing as it was, was not child pornography (so as far as I know, they didn’t think he had done anything illegal at that point). Just the same, to be cautious, they did send him to a place where he would be away from children. When he refused to obey the bishop’s instructions, they called for a police investigation. Only THEN did they find the child pornography.

 

[ChristIsTheWay]

What was the diocese supposed to do? Unleash the public on him so they can drive him even deeper into the despair that was already so bad that he wanted to take his own life? The bishop consulted with a lawyer and a police officer- what the priest had on his computer in December, as disturbing as it was, was not child pornography (so as far as I know, they didn’t think he had done anything illegal at that point). Just the same, to be cautious, they did send him to a place where he would be away from children. When he refused to obey the bishop’s instructions, they called for a police investigation. Only THEN did they find the child pornography.

After my first comments, someone posted additional information that painted the situation in this new light. I agreed that if this is the case, the bishop’s actions were reasonable.

 

[Holly3278]

Has anyone else noticed that almost the only time crimes commited by clergy are brought to light is when they are commited by Roman Catholic Priests?

I have also noticed this. I think there is a strong bias against Roman Catholics in general by the general population and especially by the media. Many people will deny the existence of any such bias but come on! Crimes like this go on all the time in Protestant churches but you never hear about those cases on the news.

That said, I hope and pray that this priest is repentant.