Gambling Northboro Priest Resigns Amidst Embezzlement Probe

Friday, October 18, 2013

Paige Pihl Buckley, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Father Gemme allegedly stole money to fund a gambling addiction.

St. Bernadette Parish priest Reverend Stephen A. Gemme resigned his post amidst allegations that he embezzled $230,000 from the parish in the last four years.

In a letter published on St. Bernadette’s website, Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester said Father Gemme had admitted to a gambling problem when confronted about the missing funds. He has been placed on medical leave and is being evaluated and treated at a residential addiction facility.

The casino effect

“This happens everywhere that convenience casinos are established,” said John Ribeiro, chairperson of Repeal the Casino Deal, a statewide organization fighting to include a casino repeal option on November 2014’s statewide ballot.

“The casino industry leverages some of the most sophisticated technology to understand and target people based on their financial status. The casinos this priest frequented likely knew that he was spending beyond his means,” he said. “There is no recourse for the parish to recover those funds from the casino. Any other business that had received stolen money would have to return it. The casinos enjoy a protected status above other businesses.”

The money trail

Discrepancies in funding were first noted in July, when a member of the St. Bernadette School Advisory Board noted unusual expenditures in one of the Parish accounts, wrote Bishop McManus in his letter. A review of parish and school finances found that $120,000 in parish funds and $110,000 in school funds “were used by Father Gemme for personal expenditures unrelated to the parish or school.”

“This is very distressing news that I share with you today. It is tragic. Even in light of this serious breach of trust, we must remember that Father Gemme has done much good for many of you and your families, as well as for your parish and school,” wrote Bishop McManus. “It will take time for us to find healing and I can only ask that you keep the parish and school community in prayer over the coming weeks and months, for with God’s help all things are possible. In Christian charity, I also ask that you pray for Father Gemme and for all who struggle with gambling addictions.”

Despite the Church’s understanding, the matter has been referred to the District Attorney because of the amount of funds allegedly stolen and is currently under investigation.

Until a new pastor is appointed, Father John Reidy, Vicar General of the Diocese, will administer the parish, and Father John Hamm will serve the daily needs of both the parish and school. Bishop McManus said that overall operations at the Church would continue unhindered despite the missing funds.

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