Priest on Leave As Police Investigate

By Debra Bogstie
NBC Connecticut
February 2, 2012

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Priest-on-Leave-as-Police-Investigate-138583499.html

A Moodus priest is on voluntary leave as state police investigate allegations of financial irregularities at his parish.

State police said they launched an investigation into St. Bridget Church in Moodus in December.

That's the same month in which Father Gregoire Fluet took a voluntary leave of absence, according to Michael Strammiello, the spokesman for the Diocese of Norwich.

The investigation pertains to the church's finances and was launched after a single parishioner raised questions, Strammiello said.

"Our hope here is that Father Fluet returns soon and that any questions are answered and that everything's going to be fine," Strammiello said.

State police removed all computers from the church property, according to parishioners.

The financial officer for the diocese is now in charge of parish finances and another priest has taken over religious services, said Strammiello.