Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Thomas Kreiser (DOB 07/05/65) of Garnerville, New York has pled guilty to the sole count of his indictment, one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class “E” Felony.
Over a three-month period from March to June, 2010, Kreiser, who since 2008 served as Pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo Roman Catholic Church in Garnerville, used the church’s American Express credit card for personal expenses and various recreational pursuits, including online gambling. The defendant spent the stolen money without the permission or authority to do so.
The total amount of the theft was nearly $25,000.
The defendant’s misappropriation of funds was uncovered during an Archdiocesan review of the administration of the parish, including an audit.
Kreiser is currently undergoing inpatient treatment for his gambling addiction. Restitution in full has already been paid to the parish.
Said District Attorney Zugibe, “Every penny stolen by this defendant has been returned to the good parishioners of St. Gregory. We are pleased that restitution has been made in this case.” Kreiser’s arrest resulted from an investigation conducted by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit.
Sentencing will be on July 25, 2011.
He faces a maximum of four years in state prison.
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