An investigation revealed that Gigantiello made unauthorized financial transfers to a former top adviser in the New York City Mayor Eric Adams‘, who is being investigated on charges of corruption, The Guardian reported.

“I am saddened to share that investigations by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have uncovered evidence of serious violations of diocesan policies and protocols at Annunciation Parish of Mount Carmel,” Brennan said.

“To protect the public trust and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as parish administrator.”

According to Brennan, an investigation is ongoing into Gigantiello’s use of a church credit card. This allegedly includes the transfer of $1.9 million (1.5 million) in parish funds to bank accounts linked to Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone, between 2019 and 2021.

The bishop also alleged that Gigantiello did not seek approval for the transactions and did not properly document them, violating diocese policies and protocols.

“Witch Hunt”

Responding to the allegations, Gigantiello accused the Diocese of Brooklyn of a “witch hunt” after the diocese announced he had been relieved of parish duties and claimed they had evidence of mismanaged funds.

“It’s causing an uproar in the church,” Gigantiello said National Catholic Reporter in a 30-minute interview.

“There is no written manual that we have that really clarifies all diocesan policies,” said Gigantiello, who told NCR that he received approval from members of his finance board to invest parish funds in businesses affiliated with Frank Carone .

“I know that many pastors have made investments with investment groups and stockbrokers, without the approval of the diocese,” said Gigantiello, who also told RCN that he was unaware of any policy requiring him to notify diocesan officials of parish financial expenditures , besides this. of any amount over $30,000 for repairs and renovations.

“I didn’t know it was for investments, too,” Gigantiello said.

As for the credit card, Gigantiello told NCR he used it for personal expenses, but said the money he spent was from $30,000 the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens transfers to the parish each year, as additional compensation for the various diocesan duties he handled. in addition to being a parish priest.

“Starting five years ago, once a year $30,000 was transferred to the parish and I used the credit card for my own personal expenses of that $30,000,” he said. “For five years, the parish received $150,000, and I only used $120,000 for myself. The parish made $30,000.”

Carpenter previously replied to controversy recounting Variety that he had permission to film in the church.

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