The Victoria Times Colonist
The Associated Press
12 September 2013
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – U.S. prosecutors are seeking a 50-year prison term for a Roman Catholic priest who admitted taking pornographic photos of children.
The Rev. Shawn Ratigan faces sentencing Thursday. The 47-year-old priest pleaded guilty in August 2012 to five counts of producing or attempting to produce child porn — one count for each of five victims.
Ratigan was charged in May 2011 after police received a flash drive from his computer containing hundreds of images of children, most of them clothed, with the focus on their crotch areas.
Prosecutors say he photographed girls in and around churches where he worked in Missouri. His case led to charges against Bishop Robert Finn for failing to report suspected child abuse.
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Shawn Ratigan: Missouri priest faces 50 years for child pornography
Ratigan was charged in May 2011 after police received a flash drive from his computer containing hundreds of images of children, most of them clothed, with the focus on their crotch areas.
Prosecutors say he photographed girls in and around churches where he worked in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. His case led to charges against Bishop Robert Finn for failing to report suspected child abuse.
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Federal prosecutors seek 50-year sentence for priest who pleaded guilty to child pornography charges
The Daily Reporter (Greenfield IN)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: September 12, 2013 – 8:14 am
Last Updated: September 12, 2013 – 8:17 am
FILE – This undated file photo provided by the Clay County, Mo., Detention Center shows Rev. Shawn Ratigan. Ratigan, who pleaded guilty in August 2012 to five counts of producing or attempting to produce child porn, faces sentencing Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Federal prosecutors are seeking a 50-year prison term for the Roman Catholic priest. (AP Photo/Clay County Detention Center, File)
KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Federal prosecutors in Missouri are seeking a 50-year prison term for a Roman Catholic priest who admitted taking pornographic photos of children.
The Rev. Shawn Ratigan faces sentencing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. The 47-year-old priest pleaded guilty in August 2012 to five counts of producing or attempting to produce child pornography — one count for each of five victims.
Ratigan was charged in May 2011 after police received a flash drive from his computer containing hundreds of images of children, most of them clothed, with the focus on their crotch areas.
Prosecutors say he photographed girls in and around churches where he worked in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. His case led to charges against Bishop Robert Finn for failing to report suspected child abuse.
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Prosecutors seek 50-year sentence for Mo. priest
September 12, 2013 12:15 GMT
Eds: APNewsNow. Edits throughout. New to some points. Will be updated; sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin 2:30 p.m. CDT. AP Photo planned. With AP Photos.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Federal prosecutors in Missouri are seeking a 50-year prison term for a Roman Catholic priest who admitted taking pornographic photos of children.
The Rev. Shawn Ratigan faces sentencing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. The 47-year-old priest pleaded guilty in August 2012 to five counts of producing or attempting to produce child porn — one count for each of five victims.
Ratigan was charged in May 2011 after police received a flash drive from his computer containing hundreds of images of children, most of them clothed, with the focus on their crotch areas.
Prosecutors say he photographed girls in and around churches where he worked in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. His case led to charges against Bishop Robert Finn for failing to report suspected child abuse.
The fact the prosecutor asked for 50 years doesn’t mean he will get 50 years, but I must say there is a comfort in knowing that the prosecutor believes the crime is abhorrent and in accord wants a sentence which reflects the abhorrence of the crime.