Brooklyn Diocese’s Monsignor Under Scrutiny for Financial Irregularities

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello’s alleged financial mismanagement at the Diocese of Brooklyn has led to an intensive investigation, raising questions about his longstanding ties with an influential city advisor.

At a Glance

Monsignor Gigantiello relieved from duties over mishandling $2 million in church funds.
Ties with Frank Carone, a city advisor, scrutinized for financial misconduct.
Federal and church investigations underway; no charges filed yet.
Gigantiello used church credit cards for personal expenses, violating diocesan policies.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, a prominent figure in Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Brooklyn, finds himself in hot water after allegations of significant financial discrepancies. Reports indicate that he managed close to $2 million of church funds improperly, often redirecting them to entities affiliated with Frank Carone, a notable advisor to New York City’s Mayor. This conduct stands in direct opposition to established diocesan guidelines on financial management.

Alongside these serious allegations, additional probes reveal that Monsignor Gigantiello might have used church credit cards for personal expenses, raising red flags within church leadership. A thorough investigation by legal groups, including Alvarez & Marsal, further uncovered potential missteps in other church financial protocols.

Monsignor at Brooklyn church in federal subpoena reassigned over $1.9M transfers, card use, Diocese sayshttps://t.co/9EsJCkRJNN

— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) November 18, 2024

Connecting the Dots

The relationship between Monsignor Gigantiello and Frank Carone, former chief of staff, is longstanding and influences these financial dealings. A subpoena targeting the church through Gigantiello’s monetary transactions with Carone underscores inquiries heading both into church fiscal responsibilities and municipal political ties. Responding to the brewing storm, Bishop Robert Brennan took firm action by assigning Bishop Witold Mroziewski temporary administrative duties for the church.

Despite the uproar, Monsignor Gigantiello’s lawyer argues that all credit card-related expenses were within authorized parameters. Interestingly, the allegations came to light amidst a broader financial investigation connected to Eric Adams, nudging the church further under scrutiny.

NEW Brooklyn Diocese removes priest over unauthorized loans to @NYCMayor Adams' ex-top aide Frank Carone @katie_honan https://t.co/w1i9cWGwiz

— GregBSmith (@Gregbsmithnyc) November 18, 2024

No Criminal Charges Yet

As these allegations swirl, neither Monsignor Gigantiello nor Carone faces any criminal charges currently. The deacon appointed to replace Gigantiello, Deacon Dobbins, has also had his share of difficulties, being placed on administrative leave over a separate unflattering matter. The ongoing investigation initiated by the bishop, aiming to untangle any misconduct, is crucial for restoring faith in the parish’s administration and financial integrity.

“I have also relieved Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the current pastor, of any pastoral oversight or governance role at the Parish because he has mishandled substantial church funds and interfered with the administration of the Parish after being directed not to do so” – Bishop Robert Brennan

Ultimately, the Diocese’s willingness to cooperate with federal authorities highlights its commitment to upholding law and order, crucially ensuring all fiscal engagements align with both secular and sacred expectations, seeking to restore this trust.