A Kansas City man who was employed at an area church has been charged with child sexual abuse.
James Burton was charged with two counts of statutory sodomy, one count of child molestation and attempted sexual misconduct, according to court documents.
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph said in a statement the alleged abuse did not occur on any diocesan property and the victim is not a student at any diocesan school.
Burton is employed as a maintenance supervisor at St. Peter Parish in Kansas City. On Friday, April 8, the diocese was alerted to an allegation of abuse against Burton. It was confirmed that there were ongoing investigations pending with the Missouri Children’s Division and law enforcement. The diocese said Burton was immediately placed on administrative leave from St. Peter Parish. The diocese said to maintain the integrity of the ongoing police investigation, neither Burton nor the parish community was made aware of the reason for his leave at that time.
A statement from the diocese said it cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation and leading up to Burton’s arrest.
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph encourages parents to have age appropriate discussions with their children about sexual abuse.
If anyone suspects child abuse, they can report it to the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.
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Cynthia Newsome can be reached at Cynthia.Newsome@kshb.com.
