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Parish under investigation - St. Dunstan and Father Don

GARDEN CITY

Parish under investigation

Audit shows pattern of missing money

September 25, 2007
BY BEN SCHMITT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Police are investigating embezzlement accusations against a former office employee of a Garden City Catholic church along with $1.4 million in unpaid federal payroll taxes.
A letter to the congregation of St. Dunstan Parish from Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss said a financial audit during the summer showed a prolonged pattern of embezzlement of parish funds.

"The amount is substantial -- in the tens of thousands -- but investigators have asked us not to publicize the precise figures at this time," Reiss said in the letter.
The name of the former employee, who church members say abruptly left in the spring, was not released.
The audit also found that payroll taxes for parish employees -- totaling $1.4 million with projected interest and penalties -- went unpaid in the last five years, Reiss said.
The pastor of St. Dunstan Parish, the Rev. Donald Demmer, submitted his resignation, after being on medical leave since June, parishioners were told over the weekend. Demmer, who has been at the church for about 20 years, could not be reached for comment.
"Because of his unique role in the administration and access to parish funds, the pastor also shares some responsibility and accountability in such situations," the letter said. "In the case of St. Dunstan, the audit has shown Fr. Demmer did not follow archdiocesan policy."
Garden City Police Lt. Mel Maier said Monday that investigators are reviewing of the financial documents. No one has been charged with a crime.
"We just got this information over the last couple of days," Maier said. "It's more than just a usual larceny investigation."
The church's administrative assistant referred Free Press calls to the Archdiocese of Detroit. Officials declined further comment.
Rosemary Malish, 62, of Dearborn Heights, a St. Dunstan parishioner for 40 years, said she is upset over Demmer's resignation.
"They have been telling us that Father Don was on medical leave, and we have no idea if that's the truth or not," she said. "It's our parish. It's our money, and we shouldn't be treated like little children. And we want our Father Demmer back. Many of us do not think he resigned voluntarily."
The archdiocese plans to hold a town hall-style meeting on the audit soon, though a date has not been set.
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lionsstink

We want father don. we do NOT want the archdiosis in our business. It's too little too late they should have measures in place LONGGGGGGGGGGGG ago to prevent it and they didn't so. She's richer and we're all screwed. I will not rest unless father don comes back. If anyone reading this happens to know father don or father don if you are reading this please don't give up on us. We are not giving up on you. Keep up the fight. This wasn't your fault.

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:28 pm

Re: Parish under investigation - St. Dunstan and Father Don

Man, what's up with Father Don!?! That's crazy!