A federal grand jury yesterday showed why that was a mistake, returning a 13-count indictment against the 45-year-old Roman Catholic priest, alleging that he possessed and produced child pornography, and alleging that he did so after his transfer.
Among the allegations: After Ratigan was moved to the Independence church — on Easter Sunday 2011 — Ratigan allegedly took close-up pictures of a 12-year-old girl's crotch area while she was wearing shorts. Ratigan allegedly took the photos at an angle shot while the girl was standing. The photos were taken on the grounds of the Vincentian Mission House in Independence. They were also taken before the diocese alerted the police to Ratigan's alleged collection of up-skirt photos taken of young girls.
The feds allege that this wasn't the first time Ratigan had victimized this young girl, whom they refer to as Jane Doe No. 1. Ratigan is accused of exploiting the girl when she was 6 years old by taking a picture of the girl with her panties pulled aside, showing her vagina and pubic area. The feds say the image was discovered on Ratigan's laptop computer on December 14, 2010.
The feds allege that Ratigan exploited four other minor victims.
Ratigan is accused of using a 2-year-old girl, referred to as Jane Doe No. 2, to produce child porn beginning on May 17, 2006. Ratigan allegedly took photos of the girl's naked vagina and labia in the buildings of St. Joseph's Church in Easton, Missouri. Between May 22 and May 31 of 2006, Ratigan allegedly took pornographic pictures of the girl in the church's choir loft. On June 3, 2009, when Jane Doe No. 2 was 5 years old, Ratigan allegedly took up-skirt shots of the girl's pubic area. Between June 12 and June 15 of 2009, Ratigan allegedly took at least 40 up-skirt photos of the girl.
Between September 1 and November 1 of 2007, Ratigan is accused of taking pornographic photos of a 5-year-old girl referred to as Jane Doe No. 3. Ratigan is also accused of taking close-up shots of the girl's pubic area while trying to pull down the girl's pants, while she was sleeping, between March 1 and 31 of 2008. The abuse allegedly continued when the girl was 6 or 7 years old when Ratigan allegedly took photos of the girl's exposed vagina between April 9, 2008, and April 5, 2010.
On July 6, 2009, Ratigan allegedly took close-up shots of a 7-year-old girl's crotch area while she wore a bathing suit. She is referred to as Jane Doe No. 4.Ratigan is accused of pulling down the pants of a minor girl referred to as Jane Doe No. 5 while she was sleeping and taking pornographic photos. The abuse allegedly occurred between August 1, 2008, and September 1, 2009, when the girl was 8 and 9 years old.
The feds also allege that Ratigan possessed an external hard drive containing child porn between January 1 and 15 of 2011.
If convicted, Ratigan is facing a minimum of 15 years in federal prison without parole for the production of child porn. For possession, he's looking at up to 10 years in federal prison.
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The Catholic Church dosn't have Jesus as they main way of life and salvation. They have Mary and saints and other stuff...They don't only follow the Bilble but other books...God says in the Bible not to add anything to what is says in the Bible, The Catholic Church is known for coming up with all this teaching that actually is not in the Bible. This is where the bad part starts. No mather what they're trying to do, the Bad Part is always going to be there......
As noted, all denominations - Christian, Catholic, Episcopal, Judaism, Muslim, Mormon, et. al. have knowingly or unknowingly participated in its clergy or leaders pedophilia and ephebophilia which is horrible like Ratigan. Worse, this kind of abuse is only 10%-12% of all pedophilia and ephebophilia. We as a society along with denomination leadership have failed our children. When will we address the bigger issue along with those who have assisted these abuser of our children?
Before we get hysterical, check out the actual molestation record of protestant clergy and even worse, secular school teachers. It is far worse.
Shawn is a sick individual, but I have known him since he was 2, and he is sick, not evil. Remember that there has been NO molestation. This was a visual obsession. Sick, yes. Very sick. But please try to envision finding out someone whom you love getting caught at this and tell me whether you would want your brother or dad or cousin to "rot in jail" for taking sick photos.
The Roman Catholic Church has aided and abetted the cover up and avoidance of prosecution of abusers of children for 50 years..that we know of.
The simple reason why these cases are not turned over to police is because it then becomes a public record which would lead to lawsuits.
The Catholic Church is no moral authority and deserves every bit of scorn it has been given. Religion should have no position to influence matters of state. There was a seperation of church and state for a reason.
These cases of abuse of children are so horrific I think the Catholics should retire from the sanctimonious moralizing about gay people and their adult consensual relationships and focus on protecting kids from the pedophiles the Catholic Church seems to harbor and relocate.
It astounds me there has been no arrest of church officials and administration ofr the Catholic Church heirarchy.
Walk away from the Catholic Church - do you sincerely believe they care one bit about you or your children? If you believe so, you need your head examined.
Religion is a bankrupt ideology - absolute power corrupts absolutely. Now these religions want to play politics. Our idea of America will be OVER if they succeed.
Southern Baptist ? - Holy Mother of God - No wonder You don't understand - just a little humor there thumper !- I do believe you are correct about You and I agreeing more than disagreeing........thumper - we all choose to be Catholic, every day - some days are just tougher than others...Some days I even think I might even be one of the devils... This whole sexual abuse thing has been bad and the excessive cover-up is making it more like a political side show...It should have been handled " in the light " not in the darkness...the part that scares me now is - what else is being hidden from the people or as they say ... it is doubtful there is only one cockroach ? ?... Enjoyed the conversation thumper - wishing You Peace and Joy in Abundance.
JMS, I think we agree for the most part on the whole priest abuse thing. I think they need to be done away with, however I am trying to point out that many people would rather criticize the church than see things change, all that much better when it happens under a faithful bishop's watch. A bishop that actually upholds the teachings of the Church, ie abortion, contraception, traditional marriage, etc.
By the way, I can say that I am proud to be a Catholic, because I am proud of the Catholic Faith and I did choose to be Catholic, because I used to be Southern Baptist.
You are right in what you say about Judas, my point however is that as big as the Church is, there is bound to be devils among the flock. No, they are not born a devil, they are a person. It is a metaphor.
thumper - I still maintain that Jesus did not chose a devil - but I agree that later Satan did enter Judas....and I doubt you would conflate devils and humans.......NOW, it is not the wolves who are to blame here, it is the priest & hierachery who are the source of the problems - I do not know of any laymen have been accused so far - - but as long as people like yourself contend that..."these men who have a fallen nature, " WHO MAKE MISTAKES "..... ( thumper - Child Pornography and other cases of accused repeated sexual abuse of minors for years " IS NOT A MISTAKE " it is a Felony Crime ! ) ...and also - people who cover it up should be liable to the law- if it was a principal or superintendant of a public school would you expect that ? .... I do agree there is an attack on The Church and all Christianity itself - and these cases do not help,(neither does the Philiadelphia case) but should never be covered up - I stated earlier that if The Catholic Church ever is taken down ( which I doubt ) all The Protestant Churches combined would offer little further resistance..... RE: to tinker - You say - -I am trying to get accross to the people (" especially to the faithful ")( I am not sure who you mean here ) that " we need to pray & sacrifice more for our clergy". thumper - Maybe you should go to the source of the problem and be talking more to the clergy about this...PEACE ....
JMS- I will be a stickler on words. I was quoting Jesus Himself in John 6:71, as far as Jesus choosing me, yes He chooses everyone, however it is through grace that I choose to cooperate with if I am to become a saint. It is the grace that I have to humbly submit to, so that I can live a life worthy of Heaven.
If I sounded arrogant the other night, I am sorry, it is out of frustration that people stand around like hungry wolves, waiting to devour the Lamb, which is Holy Mother Church and her representatives. These are men who have a fallen nature, who make mistakes, terrible ones even, but it does not take away the fact that the Roman Catholic Church is the One True Church started by Jesus Himself. I guess that is why many would like to see it go away, because they don't want to live their lives according to rules.
TO THINKER: Here on the bottom, where do you get your info that the Catholic Church is defined by Franciscan Nuns. The Church is defined by Truth that is handed down by it's Magisterium that was started by Jesus Christ. You can even go to the secular public library and find the Apostolic succession beginning with Peter.
Please understand, I am not making excuses for these horrible wrong acts that these priests and bishops do, however, I am trying to get across to people, especially the faithful, that we need to pray and sacrifice more for our clergy. We have all gotten lax in doing Penance and as our Lord said, "Pick up your cross and follow Me." We have all got to dig down deep in our faith and really believe Jesus' Words..."The gates of Hell will not prevail against My Church" and "I will be with you always." Go to church and receive Holy Communion frequently. Offer it for our beautiful Faith. If your not in good standing, get there and have true joy that only one can have when he receives our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Have a blessed day. St. Philomena....pray for us!
thumper - Not trying to fight here, but I am just a stickler on words, OK....RE: Judas - Judas was not a devil - he was apparently only an un-repentant sinner...and I personally don't think anyone should use the phrase " proud Catholic " to me that is like saying " I am proud to be 6 ft 3 in. tall "- - how can you be proud of that ? Is that something you personally had control over ?..
Maybe " Grateful - appreciative - thankful - blessed to be Catholic" would not have such an arrogant ring, at least to my ears...I am sure you have read that, God Himself introduced you to Jesus, You did not find Jesus ?...Congratulations on being a Catholic.....PEACE, Friend.
I am proud to be Catholic too. Jesus himself chose 12 and even one of those was a devil. Jesus even said Himself that there will be wolves among you. The Church has weathered these storms before, but since She is protected by God Himself, She will survive this as She has done for over 2,000 years. We need to seriously pray for our priests and Bishops, as the devil never sleeps. As far as the Pope being infallible, somebody needs to do their homework of the meaning of this doctrine. He is only infallible when he is teaching on Faith and Morals, then he is prevented by the Holy Spirit from teaching error. If you don't believe the Catholic Church is the One, True, Apostolic Church, then you need to read the Bible more closely. Jesus Himself said, 'that the Gates of Hell will not prevail against My Church.' What Church was He referring to? And please don't tell me He just meant Christianity. If this were the case, then why are there so many Christian denominations with differing doctrines of faith. St. Paul states, 'we are to be of like mind' He also says '...one body.' Thank you and good night.
bruno - I only know about ArchBishop Chaput by his writings, but on that only, I would place a considerable amount of my money on him !... by your comments I don't know exactly where you are going, but you sound like you might be a radical Liberal Progressive... that is not meant as a positive or negative statement, just my belief, I would say radical for sure, because you start off by throwing bombs...and we would almost have to read " your polite protest, and their VERY nasty response. " before any definite comment... RE: the ratigan case, it has been pretty well messed up by the diocese and finn in particular.
Good to know that Franciscan nuns aren't fond of Bishop Finn! Other obnoxious bishops are Phoenix Bishop Olmsted, who removed a hospital from RC consortium because he wanted the mom to die w/ the fetus. How many RCs left after that? He excomm. the sister on the ethics board. Surely Olmsted would have paid for a housekeeper for 4 other little kids? HA! He wants no abortion done even if the mother dies, as this one would have. Hospital did not cave in. Good for them! Uproar in the press entitled "Jesus got Evicted."
Bishop Fabian Bruskowitz who retaliated against a retreat center because someone, a nun who advocates ordination of women spoke, but not on this topic. I wrote to protest politely and got a VERY nasty letter in response.
Archbishop Chaput to investigate Australia? Come on, get real.
irenekelly ----i agree, like the term or not, it is the trickle down effect - Good usually starts or is controlled from the Top and Bad usually starts or is controlled from the Top, weather in the family, religion, corporations or politics !...it is a long hard road when good or bad start from the bottom...but we have seen it happen.......
As hearbreaking as the Ratigan story is--the real story is where Catholics got bishops who overlook wacky behavior among priests:
http://ncronline.org/blogs/just-catholic/w…
Gee wonder what Catholic League has to say about this. I'm sure somehow he'll bame it on gays .
jack - good input. - I am sure there is no more positive influence on society for the last 2000 years than The Catholic Church - problems , sure but still the major positive...In todays world I believe it is a universal lack of faith from the Top on down - there are too few strong ones to be heard & followed - but I do believe there is a remnant...Regarding the leader of this diocese, he seems to be more a politician than a priest...( my thought is he would be the same if he was a professor or a politician or a priest - it's just who he is, it seems he wants his legacy to be a building downtown ) - I am sure if he really,really knew Jesus had his back , he would act like it...We know there are some who are dedicated to Jesus, they are just not political enough to get positions of authority in todays Church. ..PEACE....ps...I believe the turmoil in society is a result or the turmoil in the Church - When the Church straightens up , society will follow...and it will be the people who will straighten up the Church, it's always been that way - the hierarchy messes up,the people straighten up, by following only Good Christian leaders.
As long as the Catholic Church believes that the priests are all "god on earth" and speak for the true God this problem and others like it will continue. The Catholic Church claims to be the representative of Jesus on earth and His true Church. Now think about this for a moment, do you really think it would be o.k. with Jesus to molest children? Do you really think it would be o.k. with Jesus to coverup the molestation of children? Would Jesus coverup these actions? Wouldn't you think that if the Catholic Church were really Gods representatives that they would know how God would want the situation handled? Don't say that they are only human because the Church and the Pope claim that they are infallible when it comes to representing God. Don't forget the catechism of the Catholic Church claims they are "God on Earth"
Think about it and then throw the lot of them in jail, the preps and the ones who cover it up. You can start with the current Pope who was in charge of the fixing the problem before he was Pope.
Every school district, every college, hospital, business, group or affiliation has the same basic defensive behavior- cover up the bad stuff so they don't get bad press. The Church is no different than many other organizations in that respect. Plenty of researches and attorneys who prosecute these cases say that- other groups do the same things when faced with the same situations.
That is not a defense- just an observation. As a catholic, I am ashamed the Church IS NOT BETTER than anyone else. Because it SHOULD BE. If you claim to be Christ's true church on earth- you darn well better set your sights and your standards pretty darn high.
"Priest shortage" just doesn't change that equation, IMHO. I don't KNOW what the bishop knew- and neither do you. He should resign regardless, as his failure cannot be forgiven by the community at this point.
But look- you don't throw out the concept of law and order when a cop does bad stuff, or even if other cops knew about it. Same for education vs. bad teachers, medicine vs. bad Dr.'s, democracy vs. bad politicians (!!!). Anybody want to do without the law, education, or democracy??? So why do people apply that logic to religion, or the Catholic Church? Where is the media coverage to make the case for the huge amount of positive impact the Church makes locally, globally, historically (through religious and lay people)? Nobody cares about that. The Church has been a pillar of western civilization since the fall of the Roman Empire. I think it should survive these idiots.
I say bring back public flogging for cases like this.
Ratigan is just another in an unending supply of pedophile priests, and the Catholic church produces them faster and protects them more fervently than outside law enforcement can manage.
They should indict Bishop Finn, who hid this known pedophile for more than a year after he got a memo from a school principal, and then after he knew that Ratigan's computer was full of child porn.
Everyone should push for a Grand Jury investigation to see what else Bishop Finn ignored or overlooked.
When they did an investigation in Philadelphia, the results were horrifying. Read the first 6 pages of at http://bit.ly/jyfXni to see how sexually perverted these priests were with children.
Its likely Finn has hidden similar pedophiles, but you certainly won't know until a Grand Jury investigation digs out the truth.
My personal family history shows our family has been Catholic for centuries.
In light of the continuous "uncatholic" behavior of so many of its members, I feel ashamed,,,yet enlightened about religion.
My Sundays and money will now be spent directly helping the homeless.
Catholics and parents, you can do something, and you are not helpless. You can urge prosecutors to investigate the KC- St Joe diocese officials for sex crimes against kids... this latest abuse by Ratigan did NOT have to happen.
How can anyone trust their kids will be safe within this secret system..?
We feel to sad for the parents of those children who's pictures were on this predator priest's computer, and also in the hands of church officials. I hope these kids are ok and are able to get help to heal.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director,
636-433-2511
snapjudy@gmail.com
"Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests" and all clergy.
http://www.snapnetwork.org/
When is the Catholic Church going to get charged under the RICO statues? They have hidden, covered up and abetted child abuse for years, they've institutionalized this criminal behavior. Take them down and sell their assets to pay for counseling for their victims.
Now that the federal grand jury has spoken, I am sure that Finn clearly understands what constitutes child porn. If he has any questions remaining, I would be more than happy to meet with him and answer them. I am neither attorney nor theologian, but I am a survivor of priest abuse from the KC Diocese, 1952. Finn ignored the signs and is not fit to be a leader of anything. Better yet, he should go to jail for endagering the children.
Kay Goodnow
Lenexa, KS SNAP
wink - ( finn is not "The Catholic Church" - he is but one of the many Liberal Progressive's in the Church at this time, how he ever became a leader is beyond many of us (we have the same problems with many L P, U. S. senators) - - There are however many Devoted Priest and People in the Church and we will live thru this ) ........ If the Catholic Church is ever taken down - the Protestant Churches, even collectively, will provide no resistance....If the Big man falls - the rest will be easy !.....PEACE
You pitchfork and torch carriers sicken me, as much as the offenders against children. All of this hatred is the work of the father of lies, not of Christ or His Church.
Finn did obstruct justice, and should be charged accordingly.
I'm no theologian, but in the book of Revelations, there is mention of a whale coming forth from the sea, with a whore on its back.
Many protestants believe that whore to be the catholic church.
Amazing what the Catholic Church gets away with; by far the largest Christian denomination in the U.S.; and the congregants are simply lemmings; all God given ability to self-reason is thrown out when the Church dictates all aspects of our lives. Catholics are told how to vote and how to think. Blind faith. C'mon, fellow Catholics, this is not what Jesus taught us. He did not teach us dogma and religious politics. He taught us love and caring for others. Still does. The whole Catholic hierarchy needs to be tossed out--just like Congress. Liars and theives, both.
Sound as though finn snuck ratigan onto the property of the Sisters of Saint Francis via the vincentian mission house - - I would be suprised if the Sisters of Saint Francis knew of finn's motives. finn by his sneaky, conceal and cover-up moves has offended and embarrased many in the diocese... Hopefully the Sisters of Saint Francis are innocent of any of finn's wrong doing...it seems to me finn has dug himself a very deep hole - not very Jesus like to say the least.
In defense of Bishop Finn, I don't think there is any evidence of proof that he was "completely informed as to the extent and reality of Ratigan's criminal conduct and failed to inform authorities about the crimes committed" -- that is gravely unfounded speculation. Finn did notify the police once he became aware of the criminal reality of the matter; prior to that, I believe he was in the middle of a situation -- facing a quandry (if you know all the facts) -- regarding which most of us wouldn't have been able to make a better decision than he did. I am angered by the injustice done to these children, but I do not blame Finn. The blame rests -- and focus should primarily be -- on the criminal who misused these innocent victims. Strange as it may sound, I also pity Fr. Ratigan in a way, too -- who must have a heavy heart now for the evil things he is accused of having done. But I am still quite proud to be a Catholic, and very grateful to all of the good priests that I have been privileged to know!
well, how stupid can anyone be not knowing nude pics are porn...what did they think it was ...Art?!
The Roman Catholic church has been a mess for centuries and has been implicated and caught being involved with so many crimes it defies reason. Shawn Ratigan needs to be kept locked up indefinitely and not allowed out for any reason until after his trial has been fully adjudicated and proper determinations made. Bishop Robert Finn also needs to be arrested and charged with aiding, abetting, and possibly obstructing justice as he was completely informed as to the extent and reality of Ratigan's criminal conduct and failed to inform authorities about the crimes committed. The Catholic churches attempt to play down and ignore this well documented epidemic problem with the clergy is causing them more pain and anguish than if they had dealt with the problem truthfully in the first place. Sadly truth is not been one of the virtues of the Roman Catholic church.
Ratigan needs to rot in jail, but what's worse is Bishop Robert Finn needs to be investigated for knowing of crimes committed for an extended period of time before contacting authorities. Both are a disgrace to the church... one should rot in jail and at the very least, the other should resign and never lead a Diocese again.
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