7 February 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Archdiocese of Kansas City provided a statement regarding a former Topeka music teacher who was arrested by the KBI for alleged sex crimes.
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, Brian Stuckenschmidt, 38, of Topeka, was arrested with a warrant for rape and aggravated criminal sodomy, according to a press release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The charges stem for incidents that took place in 2018 in Johnson City, Kansas.
The Archdiocese said when they learned of the criminal investigation in June of 2023, Stuckenschmidt was placed on administrative leave from Hayden High School and Holy Family Schools. Stuckenschmidt hasn’t worked for Hayden High School, Holy Family Schools or the Archdiocese since.
Stuckenschmidt resigned after being placed on leave. The Archdiocese noted that Stuckentschmidt’s charges stemmed from events before his employment at either school.
“The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas acknowledges the arrest of Mr. Brian Stuckenschmidt,” the Archdiocese said in the statement. “We take matters of this nature seriously, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community members.”
The Archdiocese said it hasn’t received allegations or concerns regarding Stuckenschmidt during his employment at either Topeka school location.
“The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of misconduct by clergy, staff, and volunteers very seriously and we enforce strict safe environment policies and protocols that prioritize the safety of our youth,” the statement said.
The Archdiocese encourages anyone with knowledge of misconduct by volunteers, employees, religious or clergy members to contact authorities and then report to the Archdiocese confidential report line at 913-647-3051 or by clicking here.
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