Detroit Priest Charged with Stealing from Charity Denies Wrongdoing

CBS Detroit
February 13, 2014

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/02/12/detroit-priest-charged-with-stealing-from-charity-denies-wrongdoing/

Father Timothy Kane and Dorreca Brewer are arraigned via video feed. (credit: Stephanie Davis/WWJ)

The attorney for a local priest accused of stealing money meant for the poor says his client is embarrassed by the accusations.

A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of 57-year-old Father Timothy Kane of Detroit — and for his co-defendant, 34-year-old Dorreca Brewer of Jackson — at an arraignment Wednesday.

The pair was arraigned side-by-side via video on several charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the Detroit Archdiocese Angel Fund.

Prosecutors allege the pair scoured for needy families to apply for the money, and then took a large chunk of cash for themselves.

Both are charged with conspiracy to operate a criminal enterprise, a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison; using a computer to commit a crime, a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison; uttering and publishing, a 14-year felony; conspiracy to commit uttering and publishing, a 14-year-felony; embezzlement between $1,000 and $20,000, a 10-year felony; and conspiracy to embezzle between $1,000 and $20,000, a 10-year felony.

Outside the courtroom, Kane’s attorney Steven Scharg commented briefly.

“He’s very embarrassed by this, and he maintains his innocence,” Scharg told reporters. “The prosecutor’s office made some serious allegations, and he’s presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. So, we’ll just have to see discovery and go from there.”

Father Kane, who has been a priest for 31 years, has worked at the Detroit Church of the Madonna, and St. Gregory the Great — both in Detroit. He also acted as Christian Service Contactor at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Kane was removed from ministry at St. Moses the Black Parish last week. He’s out on personal bond.