Jacksonville, Fla. – A complaint of sexual abuse of a minor has been made against Father John H. Dux, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The alleged abuse occurred 44 years ago when Father Dux was serving as the parochial vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Gainesville.

The diocese received the complaint in May 2019 from an attorney acting on behalf of his client. Father Dux’s faculties were suspended immediately, pending the outcome of an investigation. Information about the claim was provided to the state attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit (Hillsborough County), where the abuse allegedly occurred in 1976. Due to the statute of limitations in Florida, the state did not initiate an investigation.

To determine the truth, and to ensure the safety and well-being of our vulnerable populations, the Diocesan Review Board conducted a thorough review of the claim. They determined there was a semblance of truth and found the allegation to be credible.

Bishop Felipe Estévez has removed the priestly faculties of Father Dux and has notified the Diocese of Charleston, where Father Dux resides and assisted in ministry. The Archdiocese for Military Services-USA has also been notified of his status. And while Father Dux has not been found guilty in a civil court of law, the matter remains under canonical review by the church.

If anyone has been harmed by Father Dux or any other employee of the diocese, please contact law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families by calling 1-800-962-2873. You may also contact the Diocesan Victim Assistant Coordinator, Tina Nugent, by calling (904) 208-6979 or email inquiries@dosafl.com.

Father Dux was ordained to the priesthood on April 14, 1973, and served in the following locations:

Parochial Vicar St. Paul Parish, Jacksonville 1973-1974

Religion Teacher Bishop Kenny High School, Jacksonville 1973-1974

Parochial Vicar St. Patrick Parish, Gainesville 1974-1977

Administrator St. Madeleine Sophie Parish, High Springs* 1977-1983

Pastor St. Madeleine Sophie Parish, High Springs* 1983-1985

Chaplain United States Navy 1985-1998

*St. Madeleine Sophie Parish oversaw the missions of Holy Cross in Cross City, and St. John the Evangelist in Chiefland during this time.