Fr. Donald J. Lutz

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help when accused in a lawsuit filed 7/30/20 of “unpermitted sexual contact” with a girl, ages 13-14, 1975-76. The alleged victim was a parishioner during the time in question of St. Leo the Great in Amherst, where Lutz was assigned. Lutz denied the allegations. Reportedly in 9/20, Lutz was allowed to remain in ministry despite the allegation. A second woman also claimed abuse as a minor in the 1970s. In 10/20 Lutz was placed on leave pending investigation of the allegations. In 8/21 the diocese announced that the allegations were substantiated and that he would be on permanent administrative leave. Added to the diocese’s list of credibly accused.


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