Alleged Theft Investigated

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Alleged Theft Investigated

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Parish missing more than $83,000
Posted: 2:39 PM May 9, 2008
Last Updated: 8:09 PM May 9, 2008

8 comments

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Omaha Police are investigating the alleged theft of more than $83,000 from St. Bridget Parish. The incident was reported to police Friday after a financial review by the Archdiocese of Omaha.

Father Rodney Adams, pastor of St. Bridget and St. Rose parishes, has been placed on administrative leave and is said to be cooperating with investigators.

According to a news release from the Archdiocese, there are no indications that any other individuals are involved. The missing funds were limited to St. Bridget.

It was discovered that the money was missing as St. Bridget made the transition to a computerized accounting system.

Father Joseph Taphorn, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, is quoted in the news release as saying, "St. Bridget parishioners are hard working, dedicated people. We will do everything we can to support them during this difficult time."

Father Ralph O'Donnell will become temporary administrator for St. Bridget and St. Rose parishes.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Claire Location: omaha on May 16, 2008 at 08:02 AM
It is a shame things like this have to happen.I hope that Andrew from St. Bridget's can find some compassion for Fr. Adams. Even though he is a priest, he is still human, and we all have our failings, including you,Andrew. I know Fr. Adams, he is a good man, and I cannot believe this was done maliciously to hurt any of the St. Bridget's community. He needs our prayers--obviously he has a problem.

Posted by: CJ Location: Bellevue on May 11, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Worked with Fr Adams when he was at St. Margaret Mary's church. He is absolutetly a wonderfun man. I am shocked at the allegations, it broke my heart to see his face on tv. My prayers are with him.

Posted by: Brian Location: omaha on May 10, 2008 at 09:25 PM
As an ex-employee of the archdiocese this is just the tip of the ice-berg. You would be surprise at what goes on with the donations. Look at the new house the archbishop received. I wish someone would give me a house that size and pay all of the bills for it.

Posted by: Andrew Location: Omaha on May 10, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I have been a member of St. Bridgets for over 17 years now and I am completely shocked. My whole family are members, my grandmother and grandfather got married in that church over 50 years ago. Father Adams did bring people back to the church. I remeber Father Adams as a great lader but now thats it. Father Adams should and hopefully will be punished to the full extent of this crime. He needs to be stripped of his ability to prech. I am apolled by this and hope that the church will come together and choose a pastor that is true to his faith and to his congergation.

Posted by: Tom Location: Omaha on May 10, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Who's doing the auditing of these Churches? It's happening more & more everyday. When are they going to start doing double audits to make sure no one steals? It's not just here in Omaha, but all over the stealing goes on. I'm not saying the Father did it, but there has to be a closer watch on all money received by all churches and where it's going to.

Posted by: Kate Location: Omaha on May 9, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I find it appauling that certain people in the catholic religion, teach us how to live and follow God's commandments instead break the law "Thou Shall Not Steal." I realize that this is an on-going investigation and Father Adams hasn't been charged with breaking the law(s) but it shouldn't be happening in the first place. Parishioners are hard working people. It's becoming clear, every church must have outside accounting.

Posted by: Annette Location: South Omaha on May 9, 2008 at 05:22 PM
I feel sad for St. Rose Church. I remember a few years ago they said that the church would probably financially go under if it wasn't for the money they mad from the parking for the College World Series. I hope they can make it.

Posted by: Jack N Location: Omaha on May 9, 2008 at 04:12 PM
this is why i dotn give to the church anymore, its a damn shame

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