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	Parishioners Defend Hiring of Detective Chicago Tribune [Darien CT] June 2, 2006 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0606020189 jun02,1,7636610.story?coll=chi-newslocalchicago-hed STAMFORD, Conn. -- Parishioners at a Darien church say a Roman Catholic priest shouldn't be demoted for hiring a private investigator to probe his predecessor's financial dealings. Rev. Michael Madden resigned one week after Bridgeport Bishop William Lori appointed him acting head of St. John's parish to succeed Rev. Michael Fay, who quit amid accusations of financial misdeeds. Local and federal authorities are investigating. Madden and the parish bookkeeper hired Vito Colucci Jr., a Stamford investigator, who informed Darien police he documented at least $200,000 Fay spent on limousines, restaurants, cruises and gifts. Records showed Fay owned a Florida condominium with Clifford Fantini, who has denied having a relationship with Fay. Speaking at mass, Madden said he needed to hire Colucci because the diocese ignored "red flags." Later that day, the diocese issued a letter from Madden that defended the diocese's performance and called hiring Colucci "a huge mistake." Protesting parishioners wanted Madden to continue as priest in charge and questioned why the diocese didn't act sooner against Fay.
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