KANSAS CITY, KANSAS —The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has been informed that Father Richard Storey, a priest formerly serving at Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, voluntarily surrendered to the Leawood Police Department today on a level 5 felony charge involving theft of funds valued at approximately $160,000.
The Archdiocese is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to respect the investigative process. No further information will be shared at this time until both the civil criminal and internal canonical processes have been completed.
“This news is deeply painful for all of us in the Catholic community, particularly given the nature of the allegations involving resources entrusted to the Church through the sacrifice and generosity of the faithful,” Archbishop Shawn McKnight said. “My primary concern at this time is for the people of Curé of Ars parish and all those directly affected. I am grateful for Father Riley’s steady leadership and care for this community during this difficult time. These allegations are serious, the legal processes must be allowed to proceed, and Father Storey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law or internal canonical process. I recognize there will be differing emotions and perspectives within the community in the days ahead, and I ask parishioners to treat one another with greater sensitivity, patience, charity, and respect as we move through this together, trusting that with faith in Christ, our community can emerge stronger and more united.”
In September of 2025, the Archdiocese was notified by the Prairie Village Police Department about a criminal investigation involving Father Storey and another adult. The Prairie Village Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing. For questions about the investigation, please call the Prairie Village Police Department at (913) 381-6464. Father Storey then advised the Archdiocese of his decision to resign as the pastor of Curé of Ars. As a result, Father John Riley was appointed temporary administrator of the parish and then pastor in February of 2026. An internal financial review was initiated following Father Storey’s resignation.
When there is a change in pastoral leadership at a parish, it is standard protocol to conduct an internal review to ensure financial records, administrative processes, and parish operations are in good order during the transition. In addition, archdiocesan parishes undergo routine reviews every 3 to 4 years. Curé of Ars’ most recent audit before this review was conducted in 2022.
After the conclusion of the most recent financial review, Chancery officials met with the pastor and parish staff to ensure that proper protocols are now in place. During the course of the review, information was identified that warranted referral to law enforcement. The Archdiocese shared this information with the Leawood Police Department, which serves the jurisdiction where the parish office is located. Curé of Ars will be filing an insurance claim to recover the financial losses. To reach the Leawood Police Department, you can call (913) 642-5555.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Office of Communications at communications@archkck.org.