Originally Posted - July 29, 2006

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BRIDGEPORT, CONN----A Diocese-ordered investigation has revealed that the former priest of an affluent Roman Catholic parish in Darien may have helped himself to up to $1.4 million in donations prior to his resignation in May.

A report released by Bridgeport Bishop William Lori who ordered an audit of church finances be conducted by the Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, charges that the Rev. Michael Jude Fay, 55, took the money over a six year period and used the funds for personal luxuries with his frequent companion, Cliff Fantino, including the purchase of a Florida condo, limousine rides, world wide travel, jewelry and designer clothing.

A federal investigation is underway.

The report alleges that Fay kept about half of the money taken from St. John Roman Catholic Church in a secret bank account.

Copies of the report have been mailed to the 1,700 parishioners and in a news conference, the Bishop said that "this report and other things we found out shows a real betrayal of trust and abuse of power".

Fay has made no comment about the accusations since his resignation in May when the allegations were first raised by a private investigator hired by the church. He had been the pastor of the church for 15 years. He has not been criminally charged.

The report claims that about $250,000 was used to purchase a Florida condo and another $87,000 was expended to lease a luxury apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Personal credit card charges are listed at $829,000 and over $500,000 withdrawn from the church accounts by check and cash for himself. 7-29-06

© 2006 North Country Gazette