Blaise Gomez

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Dec 18, 2023, 4:29 PM

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Updated

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A Catholic priest in Orange County has been arrested after an investigation into allegations he was stealing from his parish.

Prosecutors say Fr. William Damroth was arrested by state police.

As News 12 previously reported Damroth was under investigation back in 2022 for allegedly stealing money from St. Mother Theresa’s Parish in the City of Newburgh.

The archdiocese sent a letter to parishioners on Sunday saying Damroth was charged with grand larceny last week and has been on a leave of absence.

“While we are sorry to once again be the bearers of somber news, we wanted to share it with you directly,” said Vicar for Clergy Edmund J. Whalen. “Please keep all those who have been affected by this sad situation in your prayers.”

Catholic officials previously said discrepencies were found in an audit after Damroth was reassigned to Immaculate Conception parish in Port Jervis in July 2022.

Damroth was ordained in 1993 and previously served as a pastor in Catholic churches in Rockland, Westchester and Staten Island.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office says the case will next be presented to a grand jury. Catholic officials say Damroth has plead not guilty.

News 12 reached out to state police for information about the investigation but did not receive a response.