A shocking case of financial misconduct has surfaced in New Jersey, where a former church bookkeeper is being accused of embezzling nearly $300,000 from two Catholic parishes.
Authorities say Melissa Rivera, who once handled financial records for Our Lady of the Mountain and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Morris County, allegedly siphoned money from the churches over several years.
How the Alleged Fraud Took Place
According to a statement from Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Rivera reportedly created fraudulent checks while working at both parishes and deposited the funds into her personal bank accounts.
The thefts allegedly took place over a span of six years, from May 2018 to May 2024, before they were finally uncovered.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Rivera now faces multiple charges, including theft and forgery.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, she has been released while awaiting court proceedings.
The county’s financial crimes unit played a key role in investigating the case, and officials are expected to present more evidence as the case unfolds in court.
A Growing Pattern of Church Thefts
Unfortunately, this is not the first time financial crimes have shaken Catholic institutions.
In November 2024, a bookkeeper in Florida was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for embezzling nearly $900,000 from a church where she managed finances.
Similarly, in July 2024, a Missouri priest pleaded guilty to stealing $300,000 from a parish where he had served for nearly a decade.
The Impact on the Local Community
Cases like these leave a lasting impact on church communities, where trust in financial stewardship is paramount.
Parishioners often donate generously to support their churches, and learning that funds have been misused can be deeply unsettling.
As the investigation into Rivera’s case progresses, many in the local faith community are hoping for justice and tighter financial oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.
What Happens Next?
With legal proceedings still ahead, Rivera’s fate remains uncertain.
Authorities continue to review the details of the case, and the affected parishes may take additional steps to recover the stolen funds.
As more information emerges, parishioners and officials alike will be watching closely to see how justice is served in this troubling financial scandal.