List of Accused Priests in Kansas
Clergy sexual abuse has been an ongoing issue within the Kansas Catholic Diocese for decades. Alleged abuse by various clergy members and Priests is a troubling issue that members of the Catholic Church in Overland Park, Manhattan, Kansas City, and other areas of Kansas face.
Trusting a knowledgeable and compassionate law firm to help with your abuse lawsuit, like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, is key. We’re committed to providing legal and emotional support so you can get the justice you deserve.
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brayley | John | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | The Archdiocese of Kansas City KS listed Fr. John Brayley as the subject of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor in 1980. |
| Bruning | William | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | A woman in her early thirties accused Bruning of sexually abusing her as a girl, but the Review Board could not substantiate the claims. The case was reopened in 10/18, but Bruning denied the allegation. |
| Cawley | Thomas F. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Cawley spent 16 years in Hong Kong and 15 in Rome before being assigned to the Vincentian Parish Mission Center in Independence MO. |
| Dannenfelser | Lambert | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Multiple allegations of abuse around 1989, named publicly as accused by the Kansas City KS archdiocese on 1/25/2019, died 10/30/2006, and was included on the lists of several other dioceses in 2020 and 2022. |
| Aiduk | Robert | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Aiduk was named publicly as the subject of substantiated allegations in 2023, and was voluntarily laicized in 2016. He died in 2019. |
| Giller | Roderic | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | The Archdiocese and St. Benedict’s Abbey announced that Giller was the subject of substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse. He was retired in 2013. |
| Finnerty | William A. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Graduate of Conception Abbey, accused of abuse in the early to mid-1960s. |
| Ginzkey | Lawrence | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 1/25/19. It notes multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in 1985. Laicized in 2005. |
| Forsythe | James A. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Convicted | Pleaded guilty to having “sexual relations” with a teenage boy over a 2-year period, was sentenced to 1-5 years in jail, served 3-4 months, then released on probation, and was sent to treatment in NM for 7 months. |
| Haegelin | William Mark | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | A man accused Haegelin of inappropriate sexual relations with him as a minor in the 1980s. The archdiocesan review board cleared Haegelin of the allegations and recommended he return to ministry after spiritual counseling. |
| Harrington | John J. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 1/25/19. Multiple allegations of abuse, occurring 1940s and 1960s. Died 1986. |
| Lickteig | Adrian D. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Peter Lickteig was named publicly as accused by the Kansas City KS archdiocese on 1/25/2019, and died in 1968 at age 68. |
| Juarez | Martin | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Sued | Juarez was accused of sexually abusing an altar boy at St. Matthew’s in Topeka over a three-year period, beginning when the boy was age 9 in the early 1980s. |
| Lamping | Steven | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Priest of the Order of St. Francis, Province of St. John the Baptist, named publicly as accused by the Kansas City KS archdiocese on 1/25/2019. Died 12/7/1995. |
| Kallal | Scott James | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Indicted | A priest was suspended after two people complained of inappropriate conduct by Kallal, one toward an 11-year-old girl. Kallal denied “moral misconduct or malicious intent” and was charged with two felony counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. |
| Meis | Finian | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Meis was accused of sexual abuse of children in the 1960s-1970s. He was dismissed from the church in 1986 and later laicized, and was named as credibly accused on the KCK diocese’s list in 1/2019. |
| Richardson | Barry | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 1/25/19. It notes multiple allegations of abuse, occurring in 1999. Laicized 2005. |
| Putti | Anthony | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Putti worked in the archdiocese of Marysville and St. Malachy’s in Beattie for several years, but left in 2010 after admitting to sexual relations with an adult. |
| Pilcher | John | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Reinstated | Pastor of Mater Dei in Topeka was suspended in 9/2021 due to an allegation of sexual abuse, but was returned to ministry in 4/2022. |
| Roberts | Edward F. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | The archdiocese announced in 9/15 that credible allegations of abuse of minors against Roberts had been received. |
| Rossman | Christopher | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Convicted | The archdiocese suspended Rossman 9/16 after reports he had visited inappropriate websites, including those depicting minors. He pled guilty to child porn possession in 7/19 and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. |
| Schepers | Frank | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on its list 1/25/19. It notes multiple allegations of abuse, occurring 1975-76. Died in 2002. |
| Schmitz | Dennis E. | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Convicted | Schmitz was placed on leave in 2002 and charged with improperly touching a teenage youth several times. He pled guilty in 2002 and received a 32-month sentence. |
| Wendling | Francis “Lery” | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Priest of the St. John the Baptist Province Franciscans, named publicly as accused by the Archdiocese of Kansas City on 6/29/2023, with two substantiated allegations. Died 10/16/2017. |
| Scully | Michael | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Unsubstantiated | Former Provincial of the Capuchins’ St. Conrad Province, named publicly as accused of the sexual abuse of a minor, placed on leave pending investigation. |
| Jr. | John H. Wisner, | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | Wisner was suspended from his position as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park, KS after a man reported him touching him inappropriately at age 15. He denied sexual misconduct but confirmed time, location and circumstances surrounding the allegation. |
| Wolfe | Norman Charles | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Sued | Chuck was accused of abusing a 14-year-old boy in 1976 and 1977. He was dismissed from the Order in 1987. |
| Wurtz | Camillus | Archdiocese of Kansas City KS | Accused | A man complained to St. Benedict’s Abbey that Wurtz had molested him during the 1960s. The Review Board deemed the allegation credible and recommended Wurtz’s removal. |
| Brungardt | John B. | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Returned to office | Brungardt was ordained at age 40 for the Diocese of Wichita, was elevated to Bishop of Dodge City in 2/11, and was returned to his role as bishop in 3/22. |
| Hoyos | Heleodoro de | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | A seminarian was named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese in 1997, and was dismissed as a seminarian. |
| Fiedler | Donald | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | Ordained for the Diocese of Wichita, became a Dodge City diocesan priest in 8/1964, and was named publicly as credibly accused by the Dodge City diocese on 10/1/2019. Deceased. |
| Haberthier | John A. | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | Haberthier abused at least four boys in the late 1960s-mid-1970s in the Dodge City and the Pueblo dioceses, and the Pueblo bishop knew in at least 1977, but did not inform the San Bernardino CA diocese. |
| Hanchak | Augustine | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | The Diocese of Dodge City listed him as accused on 10/1/19. He died on 11/20/01. |
| Huerta | Orestes M. | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | Huerta was an extern priest from the Diocese of Boac in Philippines. Allegations of abuse were made against him and a review board found them credible. |
| McClure | Joel | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Convicted | Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 10/1/19. Dismissed as a seminarian in 8/15 due to law enforcement investigation. Pled guilty in federal court in 3/16 to transportation of child pornography. |
| Stein | Cletus G. | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | The Dodge City diocese named a man on its list 10/28/19 with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse. |
| Young | Edward J. | Diocese of Dodge City KS | Accused | Named publicly by the Dodge City diocese on its list 10/1/19, with substantiated allegations of abuse, occurring in the late 1950s-early 1960s. Worked in the diocese until 8/70. Incardinated into the Diocese of Sioux City in 1974. Deceased. |
| Bachand | Louis | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Salina diocese on its list 3/29/19. A single allegation of abuse in the late 1950s-early 1960s reported in 2011. Bachand died in 1991. |
| Beyer | Gregory | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. One known credible allegation of abuse occurring in the 1970s. Died in 12/10. |
| Dion | Maurice Bruno | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/2/9/19. Allegatons of abuse 1960s-1970s reported to the diocese in 2002. Dion died in 2004. |
| Dreiling | Christian | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | In 1940 Dreiling was placed on diocesan and court-ordered leave for abuse. He returned to ministry in 1948. |
| Gottschalk | David | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Kansas City archdiocese on its list 1/25/19. On the Capuchin Province of Mid-America list 3/1/19. More than one credible allegation of abuse, occurring in the 1970s. Removed from ministry/under supervision. |
| Haas | Julian | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Removed from ministry/under supervision, per Salina diocese. More than one credible allegation of abuse, alleged to have occurred 1970s-80s. |
| Gilardi | Ronald Sam | Diocese of Salina KS | Convicted | Arrested and charged with 14 counts of indecent solicitation of a child, pleaded guilty to 3 counts, and was sentenced to at least 32 months in treatment and 5 years probation. He settled with the school and insurance company. |
| Hough | Roger William | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/29/19. An allegation of abuse 2001-02 reported to the diocese in 2002. Removed from ministry in 2005, ordered to a life of prayer and penance. Died in 2018. |
| Jones | David | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Abuse reportedly occurred around 1986. More than one credible allegation, per the Salina diocese. Dismissed from Order in 1987. |
| Mattas | Louis | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | A priest was named publicly as accused of sexual abuse in the mid 1960s and early 1980s. |
| Moeder | John | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/2919. An allegation of abuse in the late 1970s was reported to the diocese in 2018. Moeder died in 2012. |
| Merchant | William H. | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Merchant was named publicly as accused by the diocese of abusing boys in the 1950s and 1960s. |
| Reif | Robert J. | Diocese of Salina KS | Settled | In 1986, 2002 and 2005 the Diocese received reports of abuse. The priest was dismissed on SOL, appealed to the KS Supreme Court, and laicized in 2006. |
| O’Donohoe | Thomas | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | From Ireland. Named publicly as accused by the Salina diocese on 3/29/2019. |
| Scarry | Benignus | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Per the Salina diocese, there is one known credible allegation against Scarry, occurring in the 1980s. He left the Order in 2016. |
| Schartz | Daniel | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. More than one credible allegation, of abuse occurring in the 1970s. Left the order in 1980. |
| Scheer | Allen Kent | Diocese of Salina KS | Convicted | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/29/19. Abuse reported in 2012 by Scheer of a vulnerable adult/person with disabilities. Convicted of abuse. Laicized 2012. |
| Schleiter | Robert | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Schleiter was named publicly as accused by the Salina Diocese on its list 3/29/2019. He was dismissed from Salina in 1957 and moved to the Diocese of Wichita where his ministry ended in 1969. |
| Senecal | Eugene | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 3/29/19. Allegations reported to the diocese in 1994 and 2002 of abuse 1960s-1970s. Senecal died in 1975. |
| Shinsky | Felix | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Capuchin brother. Named publicly as accused by the Capuchin Province of Mid-America on its list 3/1/19. Removed from ministry/under supervision, per the Salina diocese. One known credible allegation of abuse, which occurred in 1977. |
| Speybroeck | Arthur Van | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Van Speybroeck was named publicly as accused by the Salina diocese on 3/29/2019, and by the Diocese of Wichita on 9/20/2019. He died in 1948. |
| Walsh | John E. | Diocese of Salina KS | Accused | Walsh was named publicly as accused by the Salina diocese on its list 3/29/2019, and died in 2009. |
| Alderman | Paul R. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s 9/20/2019 list of clerics with substantiated allegations. It notes that Alderman’s ministry ended in 1990 and that he was permanently removed from ministry. |
| Blanpied | Robert D. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Accused | Fr. H. Blanpied was ordained in the Diocese of Wichita, incardinated in 1969 into the Diocese of Pueblo, removed in 1994, sent to treatment, granted faculties in 1999, removed in 2002 after the Dallas Bishops’ conference, died in 2003. |
| Duke | Peter J. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the Diocese’s 9/20/2019 list of clerics with substantiated allegations. Parish priest, assigned 1974-1984 to Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School. Per the list, Duke’s ministry ended in 1987. Died in 1990. |
| Larson | Robert K. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Convicted | Former Director of Catholic Charities, accused of abusing more than 17 boys, moved to St. John Vianney Renewal Center in MO, died 08/27/2014, and was listed on MO sex offender registry. |
| Metzinger | Agnesina | Diocese of Wichita KS | Sued | Metzinger was accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy at St. Joseph’s Home. |
| O’Connor | Charles A. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s 9/20/2019 list of clerics with substantiated allegations against them of child sexual abuse. It notes “ministry ended” in 1993. Permanently removed from ministry. |
| Mulvihill | Daniel B. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Sued | Mulvihill was named in a 1996 civil suit filed by four brothers who said they were abused at St. Joseph’s Children Home in KS. The Diocese investigated and said Mulvihill denied being the father of the child. |
| Schemm | Michael | Diocese of Wichita KS | Insufficient evidence | The diocese placed Schemm on leave pending an investigation into allegations that he had sexually abused a minor more than 25 years previously. The review board determined that there was “insufficient evidence” and Schemm was returned to public ministry. |
| Smithhisler | Alonzo R. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s 9/20/2019 list of clerics with substantiated allegations against them of child sexual abuse. It notes “ministry ended” in 1991 and that Smithhisler was permanently removed from ministry. Died 9/20/2019. |
| Walsh | Charles F. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Accused | Monsignor. Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s 9/20/2019 list of clerics with substantiated allegations against them of child sexual abuse. Retired in 1998. Died in 2008. |
| Wheeler | William A. | Diocese of Wichita KS | Sued | From Ireland, Wheeler worked in the Diocese of Galloway, Scotland, until 1940, and then moved to Canada. He was accused of molesting two men and raping a girl in the mid-1950s, but the suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. |
About Clergy Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse is any sexual misconduct committed by religious leaders. When Catholic Priests, Bishops, and other clergy members have inappropriate sexual relations with members of the community, it leaves a lasting impact on the victim as well as everyone within the community.
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When sex abuse happens in religious settings, it can lead to psychological and emotional trauma that can follow the survivor for the rest of of their life. While reporting sexual abuse is difficult for many, taking the initiative to take legal action is the best way to get justice for yourself and prevent clergy abuse from happening to others.
Legal Support for Survivors in Kansas
It doesn’t matter where you are in Kansas, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers survivors of clergy abuse specialized legal services. Our legal team has an extensive background in handling adult and child sexual abuse cases. We’ll help you navigate through the legal system while providing unwavering support along the way.
Laws and Regulations in Kansas
There are laws and regulations in Kansas that dictate how long someone has to file a report after the abuse occurred. The statute of limitations in Kansas allows people to report clergy abuse that they survived until the age of 21 or three years after they discovered the abuse. In the last year, Kansas removed the statute of limitations on reporting criminal cases of childhood sexual abuse, but it didn’t make the law retroactive.
The passing of this law helps survivors still seek justice for their abuse, even if they need more time to feel ready to come forward. In addition to the statute of limitations in Kansas, the Kansas Department for Children and Families has mandatory reporting regulations. Adults in certain occupations, like teachers, healthcare workers, religious professionals, and others, are required by law to report any suspected child abuse.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Kansas
Making the decision to file a lawsuit for clergy abuse is a huge step. Understanding what the process is like for filing a lawsuit in Kansas will help you feel a little more prepared:
- Consultation: You’ll meet with an experienced attorney who will hear your case’s details to determine your legal options and how to proceed.
- Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will gather as much evidence to support your case. This includes your testimony, witness testimony, and any documentation that proves clergy abuse.
- Submit an Official Complaint: Once all the evidence is gathered, your attorney will submit the official complaint to the court.
- Pre-Trail Proceedings: Discovery, depositions, and negotiations will happen.
- Settlement or Trial: Your case will either be settled out of court, or if an agreement can’t happen, the case will go to trial.
Filing a lawsuit and getting justice is just a step on the path to healing. The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers wants to help get you started on your healing path. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Support Resources for Survivors in Kansas
The amount of clergy abuse incidences in Kansas is unfortunate, but there are several support resources available for survivors:
- Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence: 888-363-2287
- The Healing Center: This place has several counseling services and support groups for abuse survivors.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 800-656-4673
- Archdiocese of Kansas City Confidential Report Line: 913-276-8703
- Archdiocese of Kansas City Victim Care Advocate: 913-298-9244
Notable Cases and Outcomes in Kansas
Clergy abuse within the Catholic Church has been an ongoing issue in Kansas, but there’s been a recent investigation into various Catholic Dioceses in the state. The four-year investigation has revealed 188 clergy members who have allegations of abuse against them. In this specific investigation, none have recently received credible allegations due to statute of limitations issues.
Outside of this investigation, there are plenty of clergy members who have a credible allegation against them. Some of the most notable cases are:
- William H. Merchant: He was one of the 14 Catholic Priests who have allegations of abuse against them while working at Seven Dolors Grade School. The Priest has passed away, but the abuse allegedly occurred in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Daniel Mulvihill & William Wheeler: These two Catholic officials were accused of child abuse by the Albert children, who were taken from their home due to neglect and sent to live at St. Joseph’s Children Home. Mulvihill was said to have impregnated one of the female children, while William Wheeler allegedly abused boys in the family. While there was a criminal investigation into the Catholic officials at this El Dorado children’s home, the charges were dismissed due to statute of limitation issues for civil cases. Both alleged abusers are deceased.
- Shawn Ratigan: This priest was accused of child porn possession. He has since pleaded guilty to not only procession but also creating child pornography.
The Diocese of Kansas has also stated that there is alleged abuse reported at other Catholic Schools, including St. Mary School, St. Teresa, and Maur Hill Mount Academy.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Clergy abuse survivors in Kansas have Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to support them when they’re ready to file a lawsuit. We have experience handling cases of this magnitude and will be able to fight for your rights while maintaining our compassion.
| $14.2 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4.1 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $2.5 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2.3 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $1.5 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
We offer a free consultation so we can better understand your case and the best way to approach getting you justice. We understand that getting justice is only part of the recovery process, but we’ll work tirelessly so you can begin to move beyond the abuse.
Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you know has experienced clergy abuse in Kansas, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for your free consultation.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.
