Conn. Pastor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money From His Church

A Darien, Conn., pastor admitted to stealing possibly more than $1-million from parishioners of the St. John Roman Catholic Church, reports The Darien Times.

The Rev. Michael Jude Fay pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud, using the money to pay for trips to Europe and the Caribbean and other personal expenses. He faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines, and will be required to pay restitution to the church.

Said Kevin J. O’Connor, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, “A religious leader who secretly uses contributions made to a church for his own personal benefit destroys the confidence and trust of everyone who donates money to a religious institution or charity.”

A government audit to determine how much money Mr. Fay stole is still pending.