Pastor charged with embezzling money from parish

RUMSON, N.J. (AP) -- A longtime pastor charged with embezzling $500,000 in parish funds reportedly spent the money on vacations, cars and gifts to friends, including a church worker who was given a BMW and whose mortgage, taxes and utilities were paid.
The Rev. Joseph W. Hughes was charged Thursday with a single count of theft. He resigned as pastor of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, where he had been pastor since 1988.
Earlier in the week, the Rev. Mr. Hughes was suspended by the Diocese of Trenton and removed from the church's rectory where he lived.
The reported embezzlement over a three-year period was uncovered during an internal audit of the church's finances, according to Monmouth County prosecutor Robert A. Honecker Jr.
Authorities said Mr. Hughes, 60, spent the money on vacations, cars and meals, and gave large amounts of cash to family and friends. One parishioner recalled that Mr. Hughes enjoyed throwing lavish parties.
Recipient
Authorities alleged that Mr. Hughes bought a BMW for David C. Rogers, 25, an operations supervisor and carpenter at Holy Cross, and covered his housing expenses. He also bought vacations and jewelry for Rogers and used a church credit card account to buy several large appliances for him, authorities said.
Rogers has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Mr. Hughes could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He posted $100,000 bail Tuesday and would not comment.
"This is a man who spent the last 16 years of his life giving to Holy Cross Church and Holy Cross School," Mr. Hughes' attorney, Michael Pappa, told the newspaper. "Thankfully, he's got the love of his family to get him through this."