BishopAccountability.org
	Former Darien Pastor Asks for Sentencing Delay The Advocate October 16, 2007 http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-nor.priest4oct16,0,3079283.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines NEW HAVEN - A former Darien priest who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in church money to support a lifestyle of high-class shopping and travel is asking for a delay in sentencing, saying he is dying of cancer. The Rev. Michael Jude Fay pleaded guilty in federal court last month to interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. Fay resigned last year as pastor of St. John Roman Catholic Church. Fay, who faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 4, asked that his sentencing be delayed until April. He said his prostate cancer has spread to his bones and lymph nodes and has become resistant to chemotherapy. Fay has begun a different chemotherapy designed to delay the cancer. His attorney said in a court filing that those in his condition generally have an expected lifespan of several months, but his doctor cautioned against applying statistics to his case. Fay wants the sentencing to occur after the treatment has been administered, saying the court would be in a better position to consider his illness in his sentence. A judge has not ruled on the request. Prosecutors have not filed court papers. Parishioners said they hope the court grants Fay's request. William Rowe, a deacon at St. John parish, said Fay should be allowed to complete his chemotherapy treatment before the sentencing. "We can't condemn the guy too much," he said. "You've got to be Christian about it." John Franko, a former member of the parish council, said the court should show Fay leniency because he is a sick man who did a lot for St. John's from this theatrical productions to the renovation of the church. "I remember the good days with him and some of the good shows he put on like 'Fiddler on the Roof,' " Franko said. "He brought a lot of joy with those shows. So now that he's down, we're going to crucify him? I don't want that on my conscience if he doesn't get the treatment and he dies shortly after." Though some parishioners are probably still angry Fay stole from them, Franko said it's time to forgive and move on. "You condemn only those who do a lot of hurt, bodily and otherwise, and this was financial," Franko said. Authorities say Fay set up secret bank accounts to pay for a life of luxury, including traveling around the world and buying a condominium. Prosecutors said Fay took $1 million to $2.5 million over seven years, but the priest has disputed that. He admitted to taking $400,000 to $1 million. Investigators working for the Bridgeport Diocese last year said Fay, 56, used church money for limousines, stays at top hotels around the world, jewelry and clothing from Italy. Fay shopped at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom; drove a Jaguar; attended a sports club; bought jewelry from Cartier; spent $130,000 for limo rides for himself and his mother; and stayed at hotels such as the Ritz Carlton, Hotel De Paris and the Four Seasons Hotel, the church report found. He spent tens of thousands of dollars on home furnishings and meals as well as more than $20,000 to mark the 25th anniversary of his ordination, according to the church report.
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