State Investigating Former Manchester Diocese Official for Misuse of Funds

By Josh Rogers
New Hampshire Public Radio
May 6, 2013

http://www.nhpr.org/post/state-investigating-former-manchester-diocese-official-misuse-funds

Monsignor Edward Arsenault is under investigation for improper transactions involving diocesan funds.

According to Diocese of Manchester, it was allegations about a inappropriate adult relations that prompted its scrutiny of Monsignor Edward Arsenault. That in turn, uncovered evidence suggesting Arsenault misused diocesan funds.

Arsenault was the diocese point person for during its landmark settlement sexual abuse settlement with the state a decade ago.

Arsenault left New Hampshire in 2009 to lead the St. Luke institute, a Maryland treatment center for Priests.

The St. Luke institute says Arsenault offered his resignation in light of the allegations, which remain under investigation.

Arsenault also served on the board of the Catholic medical center, which has asked the the Attorney General’s office to review a 2009 consulting deal it had with Arsenault.

According to CMC, the contract ended in 2010 and was signed after Msgr. Arsenault's resignation from its board.

In a statement, Manchester Bishop Peter Libasci says he’s committed to reviewing diocesan operations to ensure issues are identified and corrected.

“We will do this in the light of day.”

[with audio]