Discovery of Half-Siblings

In December 2024, Joseph Laedtke discovered he had nine half-siblings. The DNA test results pointed back to his mother’s former doctor. Mary Ellen Lukezich and her husband, Thomas Laedtke, had sought help from Dr. Frederick Dettmann for infertility issues in the early 1980s. They had agreed to use donor sperm after unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy.

Unexpected Revelation

Lukezich believed Dettmann used donor sperm from a medical student. She was assured the donor would come from out of state and have a similar appearance to her and her husband, reducing the chances of future donation. “I was young and eager to be a mom,” Lukezich stated, explaining her willingness to comply with Dettmann’s suggestions.

Laedtke’s DNA test result from Ancestry was unexpected. “I received an email indicating I had a half-sister,” Laedtke said. His results showed multiple half-siblings, prompting immediate phone calls to his mother. It was shocking for Lukezich to learn the results suggested Dettmann might have been the donor.

Connecting to Dettmann

Through genealogy tools on Ancestry, Laedtke connected the dots to Dettmann, bringing disbelief and anger. “What he did was a betrayal of trust,” Laedtke remarked. Lukezich expressed feeling violated and wanting other women to feel encouraged to come forward.

Allegations Against Dettmann

Their attorney, Al Foeckler, reported multiple women have shared similar experiences dating back to the 1970s. “This man was a predator,” Foeckler stated. Dettmann, retired since the 1990s, now resides in Arizona.

Dettmann’s attorney, Sean Gaynor, acknowledged the allegations but cited privacy laws preventing discussion of patient care. “These events allegedly occurred nearly 50 years ago,” Gaynor noted, emphasizing lack of recollection and evidence.

Past Investigations and Reports

In 1985, a report alleged Dettmann assaulted a woman during an exam. Authorities chose not to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence. Records of this complaint were destroyed due to past laws and no current investigation exists. Dettmann’s licensing history shows no previous challenges or disciplinary actions.