Brooklyn Diocese Allegedly Mishandled Church Money

A Brooklyn pastor has been stripped of duties after a $2 million financial misconduct scandal involving the NYC Mayor’s advisor.

At a Glance

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello has been removed from key duties at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
Unauthorized loans of nearly $2 million were reportedly given to entities owned by Frank Carone, advisor to Mayor Eric Adams.
Federal authorities subpoenaed the church in September regarding dealings with Carone.
Gigantiello reportedly used a church credit card for personal expenses.
The investigation was prompted after a controversial music video was filmed at the church.

Unauthorized Loans and Financial Misconduct

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, a prominent figure in the Brooklyn Diocese, has been relieved of many of his duties at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church following allegations of serious financial misconduct. The diocese uncovered evidence that Gigantiello mishandled nearly $2 million in church funds through unauthorized loans to entities connected to Frank Carone, a key advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

The loans in question included a $1 million transfer to Carone’s law firm, Abrams Fensterman LLP, and $900,000 to companies named Cesco LLC and Lex Ave 660 Partners LLC. These transactions were reportedly made without the required approval from the Diocese, raising serious concerns about the misuse of church resources.

Brooklyn pastor stripped of duties for lending $1.9M in church funds to key Adams advisor Frank Carone

The investigation was initiated after Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello allowed pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film a music video at the church.https://t.co/u8gKirO5r0

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) November 18, 2024

Federal Investigation and Diocese Response

The financial irregularities came to light when federal authorities subpoenaed the church in September regarding its dealings with Carone. While no charges have been filed at this time, the situation has prompted a swift and decisive response from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

“I have also relieved Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the current pastor, of any pastoral oversight or governance role at the Parish because he has mishandled substantial church funds and interfered with the administration of the Parish after being directed not to do so,” stated Bishop Robert Brennan.

In addition to the unauthorized loans, investigations revealed that Gigantiello had been using the church credit card for personal expenses, further compounding the financial misconduct allegations. The Diocese has taken immediate action to address these violations of its policies and protocols.

Controversial Music Video Sparks Investigation

The investigation into Gigantiello’s financial dealings was initially prompted by an unrelated incident involving a music video shoot at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter filmed a controversial video in the church, which drew widespread criticism and led to a deeper examination of the church’s operations.

In response to the scandal, the diocese conducted a spiritual rite to restore the church’s sanctity and removed Gigantiello from his fundraising roles. Bishop Witold Mroziewski has been appointed as the new administrator of the Parish to oversee its operations and restore trust within the community.

As the investigation continues, the implications of this financial misconduct extend beyond the church, potentially impacting Mayor Adams’ administration due to Carone’s involvement. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial oversight and accountability in religious institutions and their interactions with political figures.