The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has started to look into reports of sexual abuse by clergy of the four Catholic dioceses in the state. The agency wants to hear from victims on any instances of clergy abuse.
In November, attorney general Derek Schmidt asked the KBI to investigate allegations of abuse by members of the Catholic clergy in Kansas. The KBI has created an internal task force of six special agents who will conduct a thorough investigation into abuse reports received from the public. The agency wants to hear from anyone who has been victimized by members of the clergy, including church employees, church volunteers, or any others in positions of authority. The task force will also conduct a review of church documents.
Anyone who has been a victim is asked to make a report to the KBI by calling 1-800-KS-CRIME or by sending an email to ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov
The KBI is asking victims to report all incidents of abuse, no matter how long ago they occurred, and even if they were previously reported to law enforcement or the church. The agency said in a press release that it will work with prosecutors and law enforcement partners to determine if any sexual abuse incidents should be considered for prosecution.
KFDI News has reached out to the Catholic Diocese of Wichita for a response to the KBI statement, and a spokesman said the Diocese is declining to comment at this time.
