Judge to hear plea deal for ex-NH priest, head of clergy treatment center, on theft charges

Daily Journal
April 23, 2014

http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/6d20167c7e404877aa29eb80f4afee08/NH--Priest-Theft/#.U1elbPldWSo

CONCORD, New Hampshire — A judge is set to rule on a deal that would send the former leader of one of the nation's top clergy treatment centers to prison for up to 16 years for stealing at least $4,500 from a hospital, a dead priest's estate and the state's Roman Catholic bishop.

Msgr. Edward Arsenault held several senior positions in the New Hampshire diocese from 1999 to 2009 before becoming president and CEO of Saint Luke Institute in Maryland in 2009. He resigned in May 2013 after allegations arose involving an inappropriate adult relationship and misuse of church funds.

The attorney general's office said in February that Arsenault waived indictment and will plead guilty to three felony theft charges.

The agreement is being heard Wednesday morning in superior court in New Hampshire.