Catholic priest in Newburgh arrested for alleged theft from parish
A Catholic priest in Orange County was arrested following an investigation into allegations of theft from his parish.
State police have arrested Fr. William Damroth, according to prosecutors.
PRIEST ARRESTED – Fr. William Damroth charged by state police after 2022 investigation into alleged theft of funds at St. Mother Theresa’s Parish in Newburgh, according to Orange County District Attorney’s Office. pic.twitter.com/ioudTAT7aE
— Blaise Gomez (@BlaiseGomez12) December 18, 2023
Back in 2022, Damroth came under investigation for purportedly embezzling funds from St. Mother Theresa’s Parish in the City of Newburgh, as reported by News 12.
In a letter sent to parishioners on Sunday, the archdiocese informed them that Damroth was charged with grand larceny last week. As a result, he has been on a leave of absence.
Vicar for Clergy Edmund J. Whalen expressed his regret in delivering another piece of distressing news, but felt it was important to communicate it directly. He requested that everyone keep those who have been impacted by this unfortunate situation in their prayers.
Catholic officials found discrepancies in an audit after Damroth was reassigned to Immaculate Conception parish in Port Jervis in July 2022.
Damroth became ordained in 1993 and has since served as a pastor in various Catholic churches in Rockland, Westchester, and Staten Island.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office plans to present the case to a grand jury, according to their statement. Catholic officials have stated that Damroth has entered a plea of not guilty.
News 12 contacted state police inquiring about the investigation, but unfortunately, no response was received.
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