Ex-Garnerville pastor gets probation for stealing $26G

Ex-Garnerville pastor gets probation for stealing $26G
Written by Steve Lieberman and Akiko Matsuda

NEW CITY — A Rockland County Court judge sentenced a former St. Gregory Barbarigo Church pastor on Monday to five years' probation for stealing $25,600 from the parish to support his Internet gambling addiction.

The Rev. Thomas Kreiser, 45, who led the Garnerville parish from 2008 to 2010, had repaid most of the money before being charged and voluntarily entered a treatment facility in June 2010.

He pleaded guilty this June to fourth-degree grand larceny and faced a maximum of four years in state prison on the felony count.

During sentencing Monday before County Court Judge Charles Apotheker, Kreiser apologized to his parishioners and thanked the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York for its support.

"I just want to express my remorse for what I've done," Kreiser told Apotheker. "To the people of St. Gregory, I apologize for violating their faith in me."

In a few weeks, Kreiser will leave a Pennsylvania treatment facility.

His lawyer Louis Valvo said Kreiser, who remains a priest, has been assigned by the archdiocese to work with parishioners at a church in northern Westchester County. Kreiser will not handle finances or have any administrative duties.

Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, said Kreiser "has not yet received an assignment. What his next assignment will be is still under discussion."

Before St. Gregory, Kreiser served for several years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale.

Valvo said Kreiser twice tried rehabilitation before.

"He's an outstanding priest and will serve in that capacity," Valvo said, adding that Kreiser has worked hard to overcome his "personal demons."

"He's been in rehab since June 20, 2010, which is considerably more time than most people spend," Valvo said.

Outside the courtroom, Valvo declined to discuss how Kreiser came up with the funds to make restitution.

"Father Kreiser made sure that St. Gregory Barbarigo Church was fully and expedientially reimbursed," Valvo said.

"He thanks all his friends, family and parishioners for their support," Valvo said.

Kreiser and three supporters declined comment outside the court.

Later, in a statement, the Rev. Joseph P. LaMorte, pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo, said the church has taken steps to safeguard donations.

"Father Kreiser continues to have our love and support, even if he has done something wrong," LaMorte said. "Father Tom's fall gives all of us a warning that we have to be aware of temptations and fight our demons, lest they dominate us."

Based on a plea agreement with prosecutor Gary Lee Heavner, Apotheker agreed to give Kreiser a non-jail sentence and placed him on five years' probation.

The judge also waived all associated court fees, which total a few hundred dollars, and any civil liability. Kreiser only had to pay a mandated DNA fee.

Kreiser's decision to repay the money and voluntarily seek help was a major factor.

Rockland prosecutors and judges have supported non-jail terms for others who repaid money stolen from organizations and government programs. Those defendants also received probational terms.

In his June guilty plea, Kreiser admitted that from March to June 2010 he used the church's American Express credit card for personal expenses and various recreational pursuits without the permission or authority to do so.

Kreiser resigned as pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in June 2010 for personal reasons, shocking his parishioners and creating speculation about why he left.

The defendant's misappropriation of funds was uncovered during an Archdiocesan review of the administration of the parish, including an audit.

The Rockland County District Attorney's Office Special Investigation Unit launched its own probe.

"This defendant's actions demonstrated a clear violation of trust of those he was ordained to serve," Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said.

"By admitting his gambling problem and seeking treatment, he has taken the first step. We are satisfied with the sentence imposed in this matter."