Police Blotter: Pastor Pleads Guilty In Church Theft

Police Blotter: Pastor Pleads Guilty In Church Theft
By William Demarest

Ex-Pastor Admits $25,000 Theft From Church

Thomas Kreiser, 46, of 21 Cinder Road, Garnerville, who was pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville, has pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny for stealing $25,000 from the church for personal expenses, various recreational pursuits and online gambling.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe said that over a three-month period from March to June 2010, Kreiser illegally used the church’s American Express credit card.

Kresiser was pastor from 2008 to 2010.

The misappropriation of funds was uncovered during an Archdiocesan review of the administration of the parish, including an audit. Zugibe said Kreiser is currently undergoing inpatient treatment for his gambling addiction and restitution has been made in full to the parish.

“Every penny stolen by this defendant has been returned to the good parishioners of St. Gregory,” Zugibe said. “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. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 25 in Rockland County Court in New City.