Our Lady of the Mountain Parish

Statement of the Diocese of Paterson
March 28, 2025
It is with deep regret that the Diocese of Paterson announces financial impropriety allegedly
engaged in by a former diocesan parish employee in two parish locations in the diocese. During the ongoing review of financial activity in parishes, the Department of Finance of the
Diocese of Paterson observed irregularities in the check-writing activity of Our Lady of the
Mountain Parish in Long Valley (Washington Township, Morris County).

Upon further investigation by diocesan finance officials, a suspected pattern of alleged
embezzlement emerged, and the Diocese of Paterson notified the Morris County Prosecutor’s
office immediately and terminated the bookkeeper from her position effective immediately.
As the investigation unfolded, additional irregularities were discovered at Our Lady of Good
Counsel Parish in Pompton Plains (Pequannock Township, Morris County), another parish where the bookkeeper had been previously employed. Morris County Prosecutors uncovered the irregularities in the course of their investigation.

The Diocese of Paterson, Our Lady of the Mountain Parish, and Our Lady of the Counsel
Parishes are cooperating with authorities, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Diocese of Paterson is in close communication with the parishes involved. The diocesan
Office of Finance has identified the financial control weaknesses that allowed the alleged
embezzlement to occur through the manipulation of checks with the use of a computer.

The diocesan finance team is taking several stringent steps to assist all of our parishes with
preventing this type of fraud and embezzlement.

The Diocese of Paterson continues to implement best practices to prevent this type of alleged wrongdoing and upholds the highest standards of integrity for all clergy and employees.