A Catholic priest, who has served in various parishes throughout the Hudson Valley, including several in Orange and Westchester counties, has pled guilty to grand larceny for stealing from one of the parishes he served.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Fr. William Damroth agreed to pay $300,000 in restitution to Saint Theresa’s Parish in the City of Newburgh during a court appearance on Dec. 17.

The priest was charged in 2023 after he was reassigned to another parish in Port Jervis and the missing funds were found during an audit.

Prosecutors say Damroth will also face up to 6 months in jail and 5 years on probation when he’s sentenced March 18.

News 12 reached out to the New York Archdiocese for information.

“While the case of Father Damroth is a serious and sad one, we are grateful to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for their professionalism and diligence in bringing this matter to a conclusion,” Archdiocese director of communications Joseph Zwilling. “Our prayer now is for the people of Immaculate Conception parish and Saint Theresa of Calcutta parish and all those affected by Father Damroth’s activities.”

Zwilling says Damroth currently remains a priest but has no assignment, and that his employment status may be subject to change.