Missouri Diocese: More Abuse Claims Against Bishop Credible
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Roman Catholic diocese in Missouri says three people who accuse a former Wyoming bishop of sexual abuse are credible.
The three have raised allegations against Bishop Joseph Hart over the past year.
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, spokesman Jack Smith says two allege abuse in Wyoming but a review board considered only alleged abuse in Missouri.
Hart was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, before moving to Wyoming in 1976 and eventually becoming bishop.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports several people allege Hart sexually abused them as children.
Hart has denied the allegations and his attorney, Tom Jubin, did not return a message Wednesday seeking comment.
The Missouri diocese has reached legal settlements with at least 10 alleged victims. The Wyoming diocese says it has substantiated six allegations.