COLUMBUS — St. Jerome Parish in Columbus has been asked by representatives of the Columbus Police Department to reserve its comments regarding a recent arrest and ongoing legal investigation, to the following:
“An audit of St. Jerome’s financial records was conducted and some suspicious transactions were discovered. After consultation with the Diocese of Madison, the Columbus Police Department was contacted and asked to look into the matter.
“The police investigation uncovered an alleged significant misappropriation of funds by a former parish employee and an arrest was made on November 10, 2011. The Columbus Police Department’s investigation is ongoing and they have asked that we not discuss the matter any further.
“Please pray for St. Jerome Catholic Church and School and for all of those affected by this investigation. Finally, all inquires regarding this matter should be directed to the Columbus Police Department. Their telephone number is 920-623-5919.”
The Diocese of Madison, likewise, has no further information or comment to share, regarding this matter, at this time. A press release from the diocese issued on November 11 said, “We need to allow the legal process to run its course, without additional commentary and without interference. We wish to repeat the above statement’s request for respectful discretion in this matter and its appeal for prayers for the parish, school, and all affected by this investigation.”