KCK archdiocese substantiates allegation of sex abuse of minor by former teacher
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Archdiocese substantiated sexual abuse allegation against James Zimmer.
- Zimmer taught at Bishop Miege from 1969 to 1984, and the allegation dates to then.
- The archdiocese urged notifying law enforcement first, then its confidential line.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on Thursday announced it has substantiated an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against a former teacher who worked at two area high schools.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight determined the allegation against James Zimmer to be credible following an investigation by the Independent Review Board, the archdiocese said in a statement posted on its website.
Zimmer taught at Bishop Miege Catholic High School in Roeland Park from 1969 to 1984, the archdiocese said. The allegation was reported to have occurred during that time.
Zimmer also taught at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City from 1987 to 1993, according to the announcement. He died on June 1, 2000.
“While no allegations of misconduct or abuse have been received originating from his time of employment at Rockhurst, Rockhurst collaborated with the investigation conducted by the Office of Prevention and Care for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas,” the archdiocese said.
“We are grateful for the courage of those who reported their abuse and participated in the investigation. In cases where the accused is deceased, the effects of trauma can remain with victims and survivors for many years. The Archdiocese acknowledges such trauma and encourages anyone who may have been harmed by Mr. Zimmer or who has information related to this matter to come forward.”
The archdiocese encouraged those with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee or clergy member, no matter when the misconduct occurred, to notify law enforcement first, then contact the archdiocese’s confidential report line at (913) 276-8703 or online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.
The announcement comes as the archdiocese continues to investigate former Bishop Miege President Phil Baniewicz, who was ousted last August during an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor.
Baniewicz’s dismissal came two months after the board placed him on leave while an investigation got underway into reports regarding his ability to manage a safe school environment.
The investigation is ongoing, the archdiocese said Thursday.
The archdiocese also is in the midst of a criminal case involving a former Leawood priest.
The Rev. Richard Storey, who resigned last September as pastor of Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood amid an investigation into a separate issue, was charged in Johnson County District Court on May 13 with felony theft.
The total suspected unauthorized spending by Storey was $159,326.92, according to court documents. The alleged theft included $77,000 for cruises, a nearly $24,000 “casino cash withdraw” and $27,000 for travel to several international destinations.
The theft is alleged to have occurred between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2025. Storey pleaded not guilty on June 2 and is out on $25,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 15.
