Fr. John F. Kurzak
One man filed a civil suit in 3/2008 vs Kurzak, John Perdue and the Diocese, alleging abuse by Kurzak and a seminary student (John Perdue) in the early 1980s when the man was a minor in Fort Dodge. The suit alleges the Diocese knew of other victims in 1985 yet allowed Kurzak to become a military chaplain. Ruling in favor of defendants, citing a two-year Statute of Limitations. Appeal filed by plaintiff 7/13/2011. Kurzak was an active chaplain in 3/2008. A second suit filed 3/28/2008 alleged abuse of one person in 1982. Unclear if this plaintiff, also a seminary student, was under 18 at the time. Trials were set for Fall 2009. Not included on Diocese’s list of credibly accused. Retired, per diocesan website, in 2/2020.
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