A day after the Archdiocese of KCK announced the suspension of priest Scott Kallal due to alleged wrongdoing, the KCK Police Department confirmed it was investigating the case.
Previous story: Father claims Overland Park priest 'tickled,' touched young daughter
The Archdiocese announced in a statement Monday afternoon that Kallal was suspended from his position at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Overland Park after two sources came forward with allegations of wrongdoing.
Church leaders said a preliminary investigation revealed “violations of some of the Archdiocese’s safe environment guidelines which all clerics, employees and volunteers are asked to observe when interacting with young people," including one incident involving a minor.
On Tuesday, a man claiming to be the father of the child spoke to 41 Action News.
The father alleged that in the summer of 2015, Kallal inappropriately tickled his 11-year-old daughter and touched her breast during a weekend gathering at St. Patrick Catholic Church in KCK.
The man said he later reported the case to church leaders, who then alerted the Kansas Department of Children and Families.
The process for reporting an alleged sexual abuse against a child can be found in the Archdiocese of KCK’s “Child Protection Policy”.
The report details how staff should report sexual abuse allegations if “there is reason to suspect a child has been injured as the result of … sexual abuse.”
The Archdiocese of KCK further writes on its website that it requires all employees to undergo background checks.
An archdiocese program called “Protecting God’s Children – VIRTUS” features a video titled “Teaching Touching Safety” meant to educate children about reporting incidents that make them feel uncomfortable.
The Archdiocese of KCK said the investigation into the case is ongoing and the Independent Review Board has been asked to review the matter and make recommendations.
Aside from his suspension, the Archdiocese said Kallal agreed to undergo evaluation and counseling.
The group added that Kallal has denied any moral misconduct or malicious intent.
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