Priest Arrested after Claims He Stole ˆ500,000 to Fund Luxurious Lifestyle

Irish Mirror
February 28, 2014

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/priest-arrested-after-claims-stole-3191044

A priest has been arrested after he allegedly used parishioners' money to fund a lifestyle of luxury.

Detectives nabbed him following a six-month investigation into the Dublin-based cleric.

It came amid complaints he stole cash by making false claims for mass stipends over a 13-year-period.

It is also alleged that the priest, who is in his 50s, lodged claims under the names of other priests who were unaware of the scam.

Under cannon law, a priest can only claim stipends for one mass per day.

It is also alleged the cleric used the money to fund a luxurious lifestyle and enjoyed stays in luxurious hotels, as well as expensive jewellery.

Gardai detained him on Wednesday morning after a team of officers was set up to investigate the priest's payments.

He was released later that night and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Gardai are satisfied no other members of the church were involved in the scam.