Parish church's finance director alleged to have stolen $1.5 million

The finance director of a parish church in New Jersey stands accused of having stolen more than $1.5 million.

The hierarchy of St Leo the Great Church is alleging that Joseph Manzi, the parish's former finance director, took the funds over a period of several years.

The parish's 8 August filing stated that “Manzi utilised St Leo’s business credit card accounts to pay for tickets to sporting events; personal vehicles; construction projects on his personal home; landscaping; gift cards; expenses related to his daughter’s wedding; his own personal taxes; meals and cigars; among other things.”

The church's hierarchy are bringing three charges against the former employee of more than 11 years: breach of fiduciary duty/duty of loyalty, fraud and conversion.

The parish, named after the first pope to be called Leo and Doctor of the Church, St Leo the Great, offers Holy Mass 16 times a week and has Father John T. Folchetti as parish priest, assisted by another priest and three permanent deacons. Fr Folchetti celebrated 50 years of priesthood last year.

The parish is situated in the Diocese of Trenton in central New Jersey, where 42 per cent of the population are Catholic – almost double the average for the US. The diocese has been served by David M. O’Connell since 2010, a priest of the Vincentians.

Following the accusations of financial mismanagement against Manzi, parishioners of the Church have launched an online petition to the local bishop for the removal of Fr Folchetti as parish priest and his involvement with the school attached.

In the petition, parishioners acknowledge that “the failure to detect and prevent such a massive financial loss over many years has gravely undermined the trust of our parish and school community".

They therefore request that “for the good of the parish and school, and in the interest of restoring trust, transparency, and accountability, we respectfully request that you remove Reverend John T. Folchetti".

The letter finishes by stating that “our children deserve a parish and school led with integrity, openness, and sound stewardship. We ask for your leadership in ensuring that this change is made promptly for the future of our faith community.”

The petition, which was launched on 13 August, has gained 153 signatures at the time of writing.

The Diocese of Trenton has issued the following statement on behalf of St. Leo the Great parish:

"Concerns recently surfaced about possible financial improprieties committed against the parish. A preliminary investigation conducted by the parish and officials of the Diocese of Trenton confirmed a basis for these concerns, and the parish and Diocese took immediate steps to address them.

"These allegations were reported to both local and state law enforcement and civil remedies are being explored in connection with all misappropriated funds.  

"The parish and Diocese are continuing to investigate this matter and have committed full cooperation with law enforcement efforts.  As this is a subject of a law enforcement investigation and civil litigation, we are not able to comment further at this time."

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