Fr. Duane W. Lukes
Lukes (incorrectly referred to as Lucas) was named in a 4/07 civil suit as having abused a boy for several years, beginning in 1978 when the boy was age 12. Luke’s accuser told a priest in 1990 about being abused, but nothing was done. He told another priest in OR in 2003; the Portland archdiocese reported the abuse to the Omaha archdiocese. The archdiocese arranged for counseling but failed to tell the alleged victim of his rights until after the statute of limitations had run. Lukes died in 1998. Second suit filed in 1/08. On Omaha archdiocese’s list 11/30/18. It notes reports 1985, 2004 and 2005 of abuse of multiple victims 1964-1990s. Its updated list 3/1/19 notes reports in 2015 and 2019 of abuse. Per the NE A.G.’s report in 11/21, there were eight known victims, all boys, ages 7-16. The parents of the 7-year-old abused in the mid-1960s, who had injuries to his genitals as a result, said they told a parish priest at that time and that Bishop Sheehan also knew. Lukes was kept in ministry.
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.