Maine Attorney General Won't Prosecute Priest

WGME
November 6, 2012

http://www.wgme.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.me/2d4c5fd6-www.wgme.com.shtml

The attorney general's office says it won't prosecute a northern Maine priest following allegations of possible embezzlement of parish funds.

The Roman Catholic Diocese announced in April that the Rev. James Nadeau had taken a leave from the St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent pending an investigation by the attorney general. The nature of the investigation wasn't disclosed, but Nadeau's attorneys said it didn't involve allegations of sexual impropriety.

In a letter to Bishop Richard Malone, Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin said Monday there's insufficient evidence to initiate a criminal prosecution.

Malone said although Nadeau won't be prosecuted, a financial audit of the parish revealed a number of problems and lack of compliance with diocesan policies. Malone said Nadeau will remain on leave until Malone decides how to proceed.