Priest Accused of Stealing $112,000 in Church Money for Gambling, Catholic Explorer, July 31, 2008

Priest Accused of Stealing $112,000 in Church Money for Gambling

Catholic Explorer

July 31, 2008

http://www.catholicexplorer.com/explore4325/atd/priest-accused-of-stealing-112000-in-church-money-.shtml

ROSELLE, IL -- Fr. John Regan has been put on paid leave as investigators look into allegations that the Catholic priest stole $112,000 that he allegedly used to support a gambling addiction.

Fr. John Regan in an undated photo.

Fr. John Regan is pastor at St. Walter Parish in Roselle, IL in the Diocese of Joliet. The Joliet Diocese priest has been pastor at St. Walter Parish since he was assigned in 2006. Prior to his current assignment, Fr. Regan had been the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Joliet.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Peter Sartain, informed parishioners of St. Walter that an investigation into bank records suggest that Fr. Regan embezzled the money. As of yet, no criminal charges have been made.

Spokesman for the Diocese, Doug Delaney, has stated that police are aware of the situation and that Fr. Regan has entered into counseling for his gambling addiction.

It has been reported that the missing money has been returned to the church through an insurance agency. Restitution for the missing funds will also be sought from Fr. Regan.