List of Accused Priests In Nebraska
The Nebraska Diocese has seen several cases of clergy sexual abuse in recent years. To address this issue, lawmaking authorities are working with the diocese to hold the perpetrators accountable. However, victims often hesitate to report such claims due to the lengthy legal process. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we aim to provide victims with the support they need and make the process smooth for them. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and handle them with the utmost care.
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleary | Donald M. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Cleary was permanently removed from ministry in 10/18, and laicized in 2019. Five victims, all altar boys, aged 8-16, reported their abuse to the diocese in 2018. |
| Buckson | John R. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | From Racine WI, named publicly as accused by the archdiocese of Omaha on 11/30/18. Resigned in 2002. |
| Allgaier | Robert | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Convicted | Allgaier viewed child pornography on his computer, was reassigned to a middle school after evaluation, and pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to two years probation. |
| Colbert | Richard | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Sued | Colbert was accused of sexual abuse of a boy in 1988 at Boys Town, Missouri. The case was reviewed in 2002, and Colbert was allowed to remain in ministry after a determination that the incident was not sexual misconduct. |
| Dressel | Willard J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Jesuits Midwest Province, who died in 2007, of multiple allegations of abuse. |
| Crafton | John H. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Crafton was named publicly as credibly accused by the Columbans U.S. Province in 2/22. He died in 1989. |
| Gaughan | James M. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | A priest reported to the Omaha archdiocese that Gaughan sexually abused him multiple times as a teenager. Gaughan died in 2009. |
| Dvorak | Franklin | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Dvorak, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Parish in Omaha since 2007, was removed from his post after allegations he had sexually abused a female student. He denied the allegations, but was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance. |
| Finch | Joseph | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Finch was publicly accused of abuse of a 17-year-old male high school student in Phoenix for several years, beginning in 1971. He left the Diocese of Albany in early 2018. |
| Gill | Edward Bryan | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | The archdiocese received reports of Gill’s abuse in 1994, the late 1990s, 2002 and 2004. The woman who reported her abuse in 1994 said she did not receive a response. |
| Fiala | John M. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Convicted | Fiala was ordained for Omaha, joined the SOLT Order 1996, worked in NE, MO, KS, TX, and was indicted in 2008 for sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison and died in 7/17. |
| Glennon | Thomas | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | A retired priest was named publicly as accused by the Omaha archdiocese on its list 11/30/18. He was moved out of state to a retirement facility in 2018 due to concerns that his order’s headquarters was used for high school retreats. |
| Hanrahan | Joseph B. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Named publicly as credibly accused by the Columbans U.S. Province in 2/22, Hanrahan died in 1990. |
| Henry | Patrick | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | After a complaint, Henry was placed on leave in 6/07, the matter was forwarded to the Vatican, and he was laicized in 6/19. There are six known victims, all boys, ages 12-16. |
| Henry | Joseph | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Henry was named publicly as accused on the Omaha archdiocese’s list 11/30/18. He sexually abused a 9- or 10-year-old altar boy over several months in 1962-63. |
| Herek | Daniel P. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Convicted | Herek pled no contest to charges of sexually assaulting a boy and making child pornography, served 2 1/2 years in jail, released in 2001, named by eight in subsequent civil suits, and laicized in 2006. There are 43 known victims or possible victims. |
| Ho | Joseph Hiepvan | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Extern priest from the Archdiocese of Sydney, named publicly as accused by the Omaha archdiocese on its list 11/30/18, was removed from the parish in 2010 after a woman reported him for sexual abuse in 1989 or 1990. |
| Kelly | Michael J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Settled | Kelly was named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/30/18, and was removed from the list in 2002. He died in 2003. |
| Keaney | Francis J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Keaney was named publicly as credibly accused by the Columbans U.S. Province on its list in 2/22. He died in 2018 in Winchester, MA. |
| Kenney | Daniel J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Kenney worked in WI, NE, MA, SD, Nairobi Kenya, and was nicknamed “the Monkey Priest” because he carried around a monkey hand puppet. He was named publicly as accused by the Omaha archdiocese on its list 11/30/2018 of abuse 1985-1987. |
| Kulangara | Larry Toms | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Toms, a Pauline friar, sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in 1999. He was ordered to leave the country, and in 2010 he contacted a 13-year-old girl on Facebook and said he had baptized her 13 years prior. |
| Kruse | Jay L. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Convicted | Kruse was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography in 10/04, placed on leave in 8/04 “for personal reasons”, pleaded guilty, was sentenced to one year probation, and left the priesthood in 5/05. |
| Lamby | Robert J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Lamby was named publicly as credibly accused by the Columbans U.S. Province on its list in 2/22. He left the Columbans in 2000 and died in OH in 2002. |
| Lukes | Duane W. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Sued | Lukes, a priest in the Omaha archdiocese, was named in a civil suit as having abused a boy for several years, beginning in 1978 when the boy was age 12. The archdiocese arranged for counseling, but failed to tell the alleged victim of his rights until after the statute of limitations had run. |
| McMahon | Aloysius J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | The Archdiocese of Omaha named McMahon publicly as accused of abuse in 1998 and updated its list in 2019. There are at least three known victims. |
| Merkel | Mark K. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Merkel was named publicly as accused by the archdiocese on 11/30/18. A woman stated that Merkel sexually assaulted her when she was 15 and that she reported the abuse to law enforcement in 1999. |
| Jordan | Emilio Morales | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Deacon Jordan was named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/30/18. He was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to Guatemala in 2003 after allegations of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old girl. |
| Nigli | Francis A. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Nigli, a priest from India, was sent to treatment in 2013 after allegations of inappropriate touching of an 18-year-old male. He was removed from ministry in 2018 and was permanently barred from public ministry by the Holy See in 2021. |
| Peschel | Roland A. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | In the late 1960s, Peschel sexually abused a girl over several years, beginning when she was age 17. He was named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/30/18, and was removed in 2010. |
| Palmese | Anthony D. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of a boy while at Holy Ghost Parish 1984-1985, ending when the boy was age 12. Retired in 2009. |
| Petrusic | Anthony | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | A part-time priest in FL was placed on leave in 2002 after an allegation that he had sexually abused a teenage boy in Omaha in the 1970s. A second man also made allegations of abuse during the same time period. |
| Pickett | Robert | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | In 1978, Pickett was accused of flashing his genitals at a 16-year-old girl and was convicted of “debauching a minor”. |
| Purnell | Thomas | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Deacon. Named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/30/18, and accused of abusing two minors prior to 1991. |
| Richlin | Theodore L. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | The Omaha archdiocese announced that it had substantiated allegations against Richling of sexual abuse of minors, and that Gutsgell knew of the allegations in 1980 but did nothing. |
| Rizzo | John C. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the Archdiocese’s list 11/30/2018, Rizzo admitted to sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl in 1962 and a 13-year-old girl in 1972. He was removed in 2002 and retired in 2003. |
| Salanitro | Alfred J. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Salanitro was removed from St. Bernadette’s in Bellevue after allegations of abuse. He denied the allegations and took voluntary leave, but a review board found the allegations credible and ordered a canonical trial. |
| Saxon | George A. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | The archdiocese named Saxon on its list in 10/21, and there were multiple victims, ages 13-17. |
| Sellentin | Thomas | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Sued | Sellentin was removed in 4/02 after an allegation, transferred in the 1960s after allegations, and transferred again in about 1980 after complaints. He was laicized in 2019 after 20-38 victims were reported. |
| Starostka | John C. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Starostka retired in 2002 citing health problems, was administratively dismissed in 2002, and died in 2012. In 2000 and 2002, Chancellor Rev. Michael Gutgsell was told by men that Starstoka had inappropriately touched their sons. The A.G.’s 11/21 report shows that the victim claimed he reported his abuse to the archdiocese twice, but they never got back to him. He was told that Starostka admitted to the abuse in 2002. |
| Syring | Andrew | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | After an archdiocesan review, Syring resigned from ministry and filed a defamation suit against the archdiocese. The matter is still under investigation. |
| Steinhausen | Robert O. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Steinhausen was named publicly as accused in 2019 of abusing two boys, one 14-15 and the other in his early to mid-teens. |
| Thome | Duane | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Deacon Thome was named publicly as accused by the diocese on 11/30/18 of grooming behavior toward and inappropriate touching of a girl. |
| Zyla | Jeffrey L. | Archdiocese of Omaha NE | Accused | Zyla was named publicly as accused on the archdiocese’s list 11/30/18, and admitted to the abuse of a boy, beginning when the boy was age 13. He also admitted to taking pictures of shirtless boys for his own gratification. |
| Maresh | Mark | Diocese of Grand Island NE | Guilty plea | Maresh exposed himself to a woman and her children in 2006, and was sentenced to 50 hours of community service, 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. He remains in active ministry in 1/23. |
| Benton | James F. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Accused | Benton was placed on leave, then retired 2017, after his 37-year-old nephew stated publicly that the priest sexually abused him as a child in the 1990s. Benton denied the allegations, and was later included on the diocese’s list of known victims. |
| Copenhaver | John | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Accused | The diocese named Copenhaver publicly as accused in 2019 and two known victims, but he was allowed to stay in ministry until 2012 when his faculties were revoked and public ministry restricted. |
| Crowley | Clarence J. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Accused | Monsignor Crowley was accused of sexually abusing seven boys, ages 11-16, during his entire priesthood. |
| Deonise | Richard | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Accused | Deonise was named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/2/2019. She was excommunicated in 1994. |
| Hrdlicka | Robert C. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Convicted | In 1978, four boys were sexually abused by Hrdlicka. He was moved to another parish and assigned as a state leader in a Catholic Youth organization, but was later court martialed and sent to prison for indecent acts with minors. |
| Margand | Paul F. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Convicted | In the 1980s, Margand was accused of molesting at least three boys, ages 11 and 12, within two years of ordination. He was found guilty in 1988 and subsequently laicized in 2004. |
| Murray | Jerome E. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Settled | Monsignor Murray, who was a parish priest and Boy Scouts leader, abused at least nine students in the 1960s and 1970s in York, NE. The diocese knew of Murray’s behavior in the early 1970s and allegedly resisted the school board’s attempts to have him removed. |
| Pettinger | Alfred N. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Indicted | Pettinger was named publicly in the NE Attorney General’s report released in 11/2021 for sexually abusing two 13-year-old girls. He was sent to treatment in 1989, returned to ministry in 1990, and discovered in 1995 to have an addiction to pornography. |
| Redmond | Sean | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Accused | Redmond was publicly accused of child sexual abuse and laicized in 2010. He admitted the abuse to law enforcement in 2019. |
| Piorkowski | Aloysius | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Accused | Extern priest from the Diocese of Chelmno, Poland, accused of sexually abusing a child in the early 1950s. Named publicly as accused by the Lincoln diocese on 4/2/2019, added to the Rockford IL diocese’s list 10/21/2020, died in 1978. |
| Smith | Robert H. | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Indicted | Named publicly in NE Attorney General’s Report released in 11/2021, Smith abused at least two boys, one aged 12-13 and the other aged 14 in the 1970s. His personnel file shows other allegations, discounted by the diocese. |
| Townsend | Charles | Diocese of Lincoln NE | Convicted | Townsend was named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/2/2019, and pled no contest to criminal charges in 3/2019. He was placed on leave in 2018 and given a canonical warning in early 2017 for his behavior. |
About Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse happens when religious figures, like catholic priests or clergy members, exploit vulnerable people, such as children or young adults, using their ministry and the victim’s trust. This abuse not only affects victims physically but also leaves them with lifelong psychological scars. Some victims may even suffer in silence out of fear and may never make official civil claims against their perpetrators. This is why clergy members and other adults must keep an eye out for signs of sexual misconduct and report it if they have sufficient reason to believe that someone is in danger.
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In Nebraska, filing a complaint initiates a clergy sex abuse case, leading to a criminal investigation and potential charges. Victims can also pursue civil lawsuits for damages. Quickly reporting these cases to law enforcement is important as it may prevent the situation from escalating and save the victim.
Legal Support for Survivors in Nebraska
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a reputable firm that handles clergy abuse cases. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with all the legal help they need to navigate the process. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and maintain complete transparency with the survivor to ensure everything is done with their consent. Victims are also offered a free, confidential consultation and full support in all legal matters so they get the justice they deserve.
Laws and Regulations in Nebraska
Nebraska has enacted several important laws and regulations to address clergy carnal abuse cases:
- Statute of Limitations: In Nebraska, there is no statute of limitations for criminal prosecution against the direct perpetrator, such as a priest of the Catholic Church. However, victims have until age 33 or three years from discovering the abuse to file cases against other defendants who were indirectly involved in the abuse.
- Mandatory Reporting Laws: Nebraska laws require people to report child abuse to state authorities if they have reasonable cause to suspect it. However, the law exempts clergy from reporting if the abuse is disclosed during a confidential conversation, like a confession, protected by the clergy-penitent privilege.
- Legislative Changes: The multiple legislative changes over the last few years have helped people who were sexually abused by clergy members file their cases and see their perpetrators being held accountable.
- Compensation: As with any injury case, clergy abuse victims are entitled to sue for monetary compensation such as medical expenses, therapy costs, etc.
Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Nebraska
The process of filing criminal charges or a civil lawsuit against a clergy member can be lengthy. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you through this process by providing the following services:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll begin with a confidential consultation with an experienced attorney to assess the viability of your case and explain your legal options.
- Evidence Collection: Our attorney will conduct a detailed investigation and collect evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and relevant documents.
- Filing the Lawsuit: A formal complaint outlining the allegations and damages is filed in the appropriate Nebraska court. The complaint is also served on the defendants, who must respond within a set period.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: Both sides will exchange information and evidence, including depositions and interrogatories. Attorneys may file motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, or to exclude certain evidence.
- Settlement Negotiations: We’ll work to negotiate a fair and just settlement for you outside of court.
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial, where both sides present their evidence and arguments.
- Post-Trial Support: We’ll provide ongoing support and assistance even after the trial ends.
If you are a survivor of clergy sexual misconduct in Nebraska, contact us today to begin your journey toward justice and healing.
Support Resources for Survivors in Nebraska
There are many support services available in Nebraska that focus on helping victims and providing them with a safe space:
- For immediate support, call 911
- Omaha Diocese Victim Assistance: Email mbhanus@archomaha.org or call 1-888-808-9055
- Diocese of Grand Island Victim Assistance: Toll-Free: 1-800-652-2229
- Catholic Diocese of Lincoln Victim Assistance: The Misconduct Hotline is 1-844-527-0596 (English and Spanish), or visit the Reporting Website
- Nebraska Coalition: The Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence works to prevent and respond to sexual and domestic violence across the state. They provide support and resources to survivors, offer training and education to communities, and advocate for policies and legislation that promote safety and justice for all victims. You can access their list of resources to get the help you need.
- Nebraska Child Abuse Reporting Hot Line: 1-800-652-1999.
- Catholic Bishops Abuse Reporting: Visit ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562
- Support Groups: Support groups, such as those facilitated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and local community centers, offer a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and receive emotional support.
- Crisis Hotlines: The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and the Nebraska Family Helpline (1-888-866-8660) provide immediate assistance.
Seeking legal and emotional support can offer survivors guidance, reassurance, and a healing path.
Notable Cases and Outcomes in Nebraska
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Nebraska clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances pertaining to your case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.
The Nebraska Attorney General’s office released a report stating that 258 known victims existed in the Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln Diocese. A complete list of 57 clergy accused of sexual crimes such as sexual misconduct, child sexual abuse, physical abuse, possession of child pornography, etc was released. Some major cases include:
The Diocese of Omaha: The Omaha ArchDiocese contained the most sexual abuse committed cases (158 total) since 1978. Among its more high-profile settlements was an $800,000 payout to a boy and his mother in 2002 for childhood sexual abuse he endured at the hands of a priest.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy abuse in Nebraska, you will need a professional law firm to support you through the legal process. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will help you get appropriate compensation and put your abuser to justice.
- Comprehensive Services: We handle all aspects of your case with professionalism and care.
- Experienced Team: Our attorneys have vast experience with clergy sexual abuse cases.
- Proven Results: We have secured major settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Commitment to Justice: We fight to hold abusers and protecting institutions accountable.
| $14 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $3 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $2 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
Contact Us
If you’re a victim of clergy sexual abuse looking to file a lawsuit in Nebraska, you can reach out to us for a confidential consultation to get you started with the legal process.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation or complete our online form.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.
