Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Thomas Kreiser (DOB 07/05/65) of 21 Cinder Road, Garnerville, New York was sentenced to five years probation with substance abuse and addiction conditions on his guilty plea to:
•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.
After today’s sentencing, District Attorney Zugibe said, “This defendant’s actions demonstrated a clear violation of trust of those he was ordained to serve. By admitting his gambling problem and seeking treatment, he has taken the first step. We are satisfied with the sentence imposed in this matter.”
Kreiser’s arrest resulted from an investigation conducted by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit.
Executive Assistant District Attorney Gary Lee Heavner prosecuted the case.
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