Graves to lead review of the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph

Former U.S. Attorney Todd Graves will conduct an independentreview of recent allegations of sexual misconduct by priests in theDiocese of Kansas City-St Joseph, the diocese said today.

The announcement by Bishop Robert Finn comes after a priest, Rev.Shawn F. Ratigan, was charged last month in Clay County CircuitCourt with possessing child pornography. He has pleaded not guilty.

Graves, who is now in private practice in Kansas City, served asthe national co-chair of the Department of Justice ChildExploitation Working Group from 2001 to 2005. He also establishedstate and federal task forces to investigate exploitation ofchildren through the Internet. He left the U.S. attorney's office in2006.

"In addition to our ongoing and full cooperation with lawenforcement, this review will help us to determine the effectivenessof diocesan policies and procedures in a very troubling situation,"Finn said in a written statement.

According to the diocese, Graves will issue a public report atthe conclusion of his review, which will take approximately 30 to 45days.