WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who was accused of sexual exploitation of a child will not be charged because the statute of limitations has ended, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Wednesday.
The Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm on administrative leave last November after it received an allegation against him.
The allegations reportedly occurred between 1993 and 1996, when Schemm was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita.
The child, who would have been between 12 and 15 at the time, would be 40 this year, Bennett said.
Under state law, the statute of limitations expired in 2009, when the alleged victim turned 28. Bennett said his decision was a legal conclusion and and was making “no commentary or conclusions” on the allegations.
Click here if you you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463) or emailing [email protected]
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SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a Catholic priest for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
On Monday, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm, Church of the Resurrection, 4910 N Woodlawn Street in Bel Aire, on leave, according to a media release from the Diocese.
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennet said, “The Catholic Diocese of Wichita notified the Office of the District Attorney that allegations had recently been made against a priest working within the Diocese.
The allegations date to the time frame over 25 years ago. Late this morning (Tuesday Nov.1.), the matter was referred by this office to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit. Additional information may be made public following the presentation of the matter for a final charging determination at the conclusion of any follow up investigation.”
While on leave Father Schemm will be restricted from offering sacraments and preaching in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita until the investigation has been completed, according to the release.
Click here if you you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463) or emailing [email protected]
The dioceses asks anyone who suspects abuse, inappropriate behavior or has been harmed by any person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese to contact the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator at (316) 440-1757 or CatholicDioceseofWichita.org/promise-to-protect.