#USA #KY – A former pastor at Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood surrendered to authorities and faced felony theft charges after church officials discovered that approximately $160,000 in parish funds had gone missing.
Father Richard Storey turned himself in to the Leawood Police Department on Saturday, May 23, 2026, on a Level 5 felony charge of theft of property or services valued at more than $100,000. He posted bond later that day and was released from the Johnson County Detention Center. His first court appearance, originally set for May 26, was rescheduled to June 2.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas launched an internal financial review after Storey resigned as pastor in September 2025. That review uncovered irregularities in the parish’s records, prompting officials to contact police. Authorities alleged that the theft occurred between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025.
Storey’s resignation followed a separate criminal investigation by the Prairie Village Police Department. In September 2025, authorities notified the archdiocese of a probe involving Storey and another adult. Details of that case remained limited and the investigation continued. Following his resignation, Storey was suspended from public ministry. Father John Riley was appointed temporary administrator and later became the parish’s pastor in February 2026.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight described the theft allegations as “deeply painful” for the Catholic community. In a statement, he noted the betrayal of the faithful’s generosity and emphasized that Storey remained presumed innocent until proven guilty in court or through canonical processes. The parish planned to file an insurance claim to recover the losses, and the archdiocese said it was cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Storey previously served at other parishes in the archdiocese, including St. Patrick Catholic Church in Osage City and Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Overland Park. He had led Curé of Ars since around 2015.
The case drew attention from local media and Catholic watchdog groups, highlighting ongoing concerns about financial accountability and clergy conduct within the Church. As of late May 2026, legal proceedings against Storey on the theft charge were ongoing.
Image: Father Richard Storey in public ministry in the Archdiocese of Kentucky City.
