AP: Priest May Have Misspent $1.4 Million

[Omaha Steve]

Full story: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060728/D8J59JC80.html

AP: Priest May Have Misspent $1.4 Million
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Jul 28, 7:10 PM (ET)

By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - A priest who resigned from a church in an affluent Connecticut community misspent up to $1.4 million in parishioner donations to lead a life of luxury with another man, according to a church-directed investigation.

The Rev. Michael Jude Fay spent church money on limousines, stays at top hotels, jewelry, Italian clothing and a Florida condominium shared with the other man, auditors hired by the diocese found. About half the money he spent was kept in a secret bank account, according to their report, which was mailed Friday to 1,700 parishioners of the Darien church and obtained in advance by The Associated Press.


Bridgeport Bishop William Lori discusses a report on his desk Friday, July, 28, 2006, in Bridgeport, Conn. Lori ordered the investigation by Deloitte Financial Advisory Services into the Rev. Michael Jude Fay, who resigned as pastor of a church in affluent Darien. Fay misspent up to $1.4 million in parishioner donations to lead a life of luxury with another man, according to the church-directed investigation. The report details how Fay used church money for limousine rides, stays at top hotels around the world, jewelry, clothing from Italy and the purchase of a condominium in Florida with the other man. (AP Photo/Douglas Healey).


Bridgeport Bishop William Lori, who ordered the investigation by Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, said he was shocked and angered by the findings. The report also was sent to federal authorities.

"The amount of money that was misused is tremendous," Lori said. "I think this report and other things we found out shows a real betrayal of trust and abuse of power."

Messages seeking comment were left Friday with Fay's attorney, James Wade. Fay, 55, has not commented since he resigned in May from St. John Roman Catholic Church amid accusations by a private investigator that he had misspent church money.

Federal authorities are investigating Fay, who has not been charged. They declined to comment.

[CatholicEdHead]

1. Prosucute him to the full extent of the law for theft

Though I can see right wing Catholics misrepresent this was only done because he is apparently gay.

[Sherman A1]

2. Absolutely

Happened to my Mom's church in one of the Southern States. Difference is the Priest ran off with the cash and the female church secretary. Just about tore their parish apart. It's terrible when anyone in a position of trust abuses it. Of course people make mistakes and screw things up along the way, but deliberate abuse is an entirely different thing.

[MissB]

3. "misspent"

:rofl:

[grilled onions]

4. Talk About Fleecing The Flock!

Isn't there any accountability B4 someone can rack up that kind of bill on someone elses tab? Shouldn't there have been more then just him signing the checks????? :crazy:

[patsimae]

5. What the hell is with these priests

Three parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago that I know of come to mind where the pastors embezzeled the money from the weekend collection and used it for personal gain.

[LostinVA]

6. The vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty

Are ones that go very much against human nature. It takes a strong-minded Religious to stay yoked to them... people with weak characters can't handle it. An excuse? No, not at all.