San Jose Priest Accused Of Pocketing Thousands From Parishioner Donations
SAN JOSE (CBS/AP) - A Catholic priest in San Jose has been charged with fraud and tax evasion for allegedly diverting thousands of dollars in donations from parishioners into his personal bank account during a three-year period.
An indictment made public Monday shows priest Hien Minh Nguyen was charged with 14 counts of bank fraud and failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income.
The indictment alleges that between 2005 and 2008 Nguyen asked parishioners to write checks to the Vietnamese Catholic Center but instead diverted the donations to his personal bank account.
The San Jose Mercury News reports the 55-year-old priest was arrested Saturday in Florida.
Nguyen has been a priest since 1994, holding various positions with the Diocese of San Jose.
Bishop Patrick McGrath wouldn't comment on the charges. He says Nguyen has been on personal leave from his position since December 2013.