Priest Abuse In Nebraska

Nebraska Clergy Abuse Lawsuits

Multiple survivors have filed clergy abuse lawsuits against Catholic priests in Nebraska. Many of these survivors have also named Nebraskan dioceses as defendants in these lawsuits. These lawsuits accuse the dioceses of concealing, thereby contributing to sexual abuse committed by clergy members.

Clergy Abuse Settlements In Nebraska

Several lawsuits filed against Nebraska’s dioceses have ended in favorable verdicts or clergy abuse settlements for survivors. For example, in 2002, the Archdiocese of Omaha paid an $800,000 jury award for a priest abuse survivor and his family. 

The archdiocese has paid at least seven other settlements to survivors of priest sexual abuse. However, the financial details of these settlements were never publicly disclosed.

Child Sex Abuse Statutes Of Limitations In Nebraska

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse must comply with the statute of limitations when seeking legal action.

Nebraska has different legal statutes for bringing criminal charges against an abuser versus filing a civil lawsuit.

Civil Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In Nebraska

In Nebraska, there is no civil statute for child sexual assault claims filed against the perpetrator. However, civil claims against other responsible defendants must be filed before the victim reaches 33 years of age.

For example, if a priest sexually abuses a minor in Nebraska, the survivor has unlimited time to file a civil lawsuit against the priest. If a Catholic diocese played a role in concealing the abuse, the survivor would need to file a civil claim against the diocese before their 33rd birthday.

Criminal Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In Nebraska

In Nebraska, there is no criminal statute of limitations for the following sexual offenses:

• Incest
• Sexual assault in the first or second-degree
• Sexual assault of a child in the first, second or third-degree
• Sex trafficking of a minor

Learn more about Nebraska’s criminal statutes related to child sexual abuse and sexual assault here.

List Of Nebraska Priests Accused Of Abuse

Below is a list of priests accused of abuse in Nebraska. It may also include other Catholic clergy members facing similar sexual abuse allegations in the state.

The list does not include diocesan staff members or volunteers accused of child sexual abuse. However, you may still be eligible to sue these individuals under the state’s statutes of limitations. 

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an abusive priest in Nebraska, consider legal action. We are here to help you seek justice.

History Of Clergy Abuse In Nebraska

In 2021, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office released a report identifying more than 250 clergy abuse victims.

According to the list released by the Archdiocese of Omaha in 2018, at least 38 former clergy members have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations against these clergy members date back as early as 1956.

Of the 38 accused clergy members, 24 were under the archdiocese’s control when the allegations were brought forth. These clergy members are all now deceased or have been removed from public ministry. 

The archdiocese’s list also includes 10 visiting priests and four deacons facing allegations of sexual abuse. 

In 2019, the Diocese of Lincoln published a list of nine priests facing substantiated claims of abuse. The Diocese of Grand Island has not released a public list of Nebraskan priests accused of abuse.

Nebraska Priest Abuse Victim Resources

There are many resources for survivors of sexual violence in Nebraska. Find your nearest crisis center here. 

You may also consider seeking legal resources. Our clergy abuse lawyers can help survivors in Nebraska understand their legal options. Submit a free case review today to learn more.

Nebraska Priest Abuse FAQs

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Clergy Sexual Abuse In Nebraska?

In Nebraska, there is no statute of limitations to file a claim against an abuser, such as an abusive priest or clergy member. However, there are other civil statutes of limitations for cases against other types of defendants. 

Learn more about Nebraska’s civil statutes for child sexual abuse cases here >

How Do I Report Sexual Abuse By A Priest In Nebraska?

Nebraska’s mandatory reporting laws require all residents to report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect. This includes suspected incidents of child sexual abuse. Failure to do so could result in a fine or prison sentence. 

To report child abuse in Nebraska, call the state Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-652-1999. You may also call your local law enforcement agency to report suspected abuse. 

Learn more about reporting child sexual abuse or sexual assault here >

If you or someone you know was sexually abused by a Nebraskan priest or clergy member, you can also report the incident to the relevant diocese.