Monsignor Relieved of Duties After Investigation Reveals Misuse of Church Funds
A top monsignor in Brooklyn, Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, has been relieved of administrative duties at a Williamsburg parish after a diocesan investigation revealed he transferred nearly $2 million of church money to a law firm and other accounts affiliated with a former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, found that Gigantiello transferred $1.9 million in parish funds between 2019 and 2021 to bank accounts affiliated with a law firm and two companies owned by Frank Carone, the mayor’s former chief of staff. The transfers were made without informing the diocese or seeking approval, and did not document or obtain necessary paperwork.
Transfers and Payments
Gigantiello transferred $1 million to Abrams Fensterman, a law firm at one point owned by Carone, in January 2019. The loan was paid back with 9% interest between June 2020 and June 2021. In August 2021 and November 2021, Gigantiello made two additional transfers totaling $900,000 to two companies owned by Carone: Cesco, LLC and Lex Ave 660 Partners LLC.
Gigantiello’s Response
Gigantiello told THE CITY that the transfers were investments that yielded big returns for his parish. "The investments were made legally and the investments came back," he said, adding that he approached Carone to see "if there were any investments I could make."
Ongoing Investigation
The diocese is still investigating additional transfers of money and a church credit card Gigantiello used for "substantial personal expenses." Gigantiello was also served a subpoena by the Eastern District of New York as a witness to discuss these loans.
Removal of Temporary Administrator
The diocese also announced the removal of the parish’s temporary administrator, Deacon Dean Dobbins, "because of his use of racist and other offensive language during private conversations held in the Parish office, which were apparently recorded at Monsignor Gigantiello’s direction without the Deacon’s consent."
Conclusion
The investigation has led to the relief of Msgr. Gigantiello of his administrative duties, and the removal of the temporary administrator. The diocese is committed to ensuring the proper use of church funds and maintaining the trust of its parishioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Msgr. Gigantiello relieved of his administrative duties?
A: Msgr. Gigantiello was relieved of his administrative duties after a diocesan investigation revealed he transferred nearly $2 million of church money to a law firm and other accounts affiliated with a former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams.
Q: What were the transfers used for?
A: The transfers were used for investments that yielded big returns for the parish, according to Gigantiello.
Q: Was the diocese aware of the transfers?
A: No, the diocese was not aware of the transfers, which were made without informing the diocese or seeking approval.
Q: What is the status of the ongoing investigation?
A: The diocese is still investigating additional transfers of money and a church credit card Gigantiello used for "substantial personal expenses."
