Statement Regarding Alleged Sex Abuse Lawsuits

On July 20 and July 22, 2026, two lawsuits were filed in Will County by a plaintiff identified as John Doe against the Diocese of Joliet. The lawsuits allege sexual abuse by three priests who served within the Diocese of Joliet between 1967 and 1974. The lawsuit filed on July 20 alleges sexual abuse by Father James Nowak during his assignments at St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Bolingbrook and Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Lombard.

Father Nowak was removed from ministry in 2012 and died in 2020. The lawsuit filed on July 22 alleges sexual abuse by Father Phillip Dedera and Father Richard Bennett during their service at St. Pius X Catholic Parish and School in Lombard. Father Dedera was permanently removed from active ministry in 2002. Father Bennett left active ministry in 2009 and was laicized in 2022.

The Diocese of Joliet acknowledges the seriousness of all allegations of sexual abuse and the lasting impact abuse has on survivors and their families. The Diocese does not comment on pending litigation and looks forward to a full resolution in court.