A former bookkeeper from New Jersey has admitted to embezzling nearly $300,000 from two local Roman Catholic churches, raising serious concerns about financial oversight within religious institutions. Melissa Rivera, who worked for Our Lady of the Mountain in Washington Township and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pompton Plains, pled guilty to two counts of theft, with her crimes taking place between May 2018 and May 2024.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office released a statement detailing Rivera’s fraudulent activities, which included writing herself 137 checks totaling $287,487 from Our Lady of the Mountain and three additional checks amounting to $5,242 from Our Lady of Good Counsel. The alarming situation came to light after the Diocese of Paterson noticed irregularities in the check-writing activities at the parishes.
In a March 28 statement, the Diocese explained that its Department of Finance initiated an investigation upon observing these discrepancies. The investigation revealed a pattern of alleged embezzlement, prompting the diocese to notify the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and terminate Rivera’s employment immediately. The diocese emphasized its commitment to improving financial oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.
To address the vulnerabilities that allowed Rivera’s embezzlement to occur, the Diocese of Paterson is implementing several measures. They have launched a confidential hotline for employees, volunteers, and parishioners to report any concerns regarding financial misconduct. This hotline, managed by EthicsPoint, allows individuals to report suspected fraud or other unethical behavior, ensuring that such issues can be addressed promptly.
Rivera’s legal troubles began when she was charged with theft on March 27, following the conclusion of an investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. As part of her probation, she will spend 364 days in the Morris County Correctional Center and is required to repay the churches a total of $292,728, which reflects the amount she misappropriated.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for churches and religious organizations everywhere to strengthen their financial controls and oversight. The Diocese of Paterson is taking proactive steps to safeguard against future financial misconduct, and other religious institutions would be wise to follow suit.
For more information on financial accountability within churches, consider exploring resources from the National Association of Church Business Administration, which offers guidance on best practices for financial management in religious settings.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the importance of vigilance in financial practices, especially in organizations that rely heavily on the trust and contributions of their communities. The faithful deserve transparency and accountability in how their donations are managed, and it is crucial for churches to foster an environment where ethical practices are the norm.