Monsignor Gigantiello in Brooklyn transferred nearly $2 million of church funds to accounts affiliated with Mayor Eric Adams’ former chief of staff without approval. He has been relieved of administrative duties at the parish, but remains the head. There are ongoing investigations into the transfers and Gigantiello’s use of a church credit card for personal expenses. Additionally, the temporary administrator of the parish was removed for using offensive language. Gigantiello claims the transfers were investments that yielded returns and believes he is being targeted by the bishop due to jealousy.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of Our Lady of Mount Carmel–Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has been relieved of administrative duties following a diocesan investigation. The investigation uncovered that Gigantiello transferred close to $2 million of church funds to accounts affiliated with a former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams without proper authorization.
Bishop Robert Brennan announced that Gigantiello will no longer have any administrative oversight at the parish due to mishandling substantial church funds and interfering with the administration of the parish against directives. The investigation, conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, revealed that Gigantiello transferred $1.9 million to bank accounts linked to a law firm and companies owned by Frank Carone, the mayor’s former chief of staff.
Gigantiello transferred $1 million to Abrams Fensterman, a law firm once owned by Carone, in January 2019 without informing the diocese or obtaining approval as per diocesan rules. He later made additional transfers totaling $900,000 to two companies owned by Carone in 2021, again without proper communication with the diocese. Despite claiming the transfers were investments that yielded returns for the parish, the diocese is still investigating further transfers and Gigantiello’s personal expenses charged to a church credit card.
Gigantiello also confirmed being served a subpoena by the Eastern District of New York earlier this year as a witness regarding the loans made. His financial ties to Carone’s businesses and their joint visit to Rome to meet Pope Francis have previously been reported. Carone’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
Additionally, the parish’s temporary administrator, Deacon Dean Dobbins, was removed for the use of racist and offensive language recorded during private conversations without his consent. Gigantiello claimed Dobbins was placed there by the current bishop to undermine him, asserting his role as the parish pastor responsible for the spiritual welfare of parishioners.
Gigantiello defended his actions by highlighting his successful fundraising efforts for the diocese and various parishes over the years. He expressed belief that jealousy towards his accomplishments within the diocese may be the reason behind the current bishop’s actions against him.
The investigation was initiated following Gigantiello’s approval for pop singer Sabrina Carpenter to film a music video at the church last November. Despite the ongoing scrutiny and allegations, Gigantiello remains steadfast in his position as the parish pastor and emphasizes his commitment to the parishioners’ spiritual well-being.
Source: TheCity.NYC
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