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A Brooklyn priest has been removed from his role as pastor following an investigation into the mishandling of nearly $2 million in parish funds. Bishop Robert J. Brennan announced on November 18 that Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, who served at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish, was relieved of his duties due to financial mismanagement and interference with parish administration.
Bishop Brennan also dismissed Deacon Dean Dobbins, the temporary administrator, for using "racist and other offensive language" during private conversations recorded without his consent by Monsignor Gigantiello. The bishop emphasized that while secret recordings were inappropriate, such language is unacceptable within the church.
Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski has been appointed to oversee all decisions at the parish. The Diocese of Brooklyn confirmed that Msgr. Gigantiello remains a priest and can perform Mass as assigned by Bishop Mroziewski.
In a Facebook message dated November 22, Msgr. Gigantiello expressed gratitude to supporters during this challenging time and stated he continues his pastoral duties despite being under administrative oversight.
The diocese assured cooperation with law enforcement investigations and adherence to canonical procedures regarding potential violations related to ecclesiastical goods.
Previously, in November 2023, Msgr. Gigantiello faced removal from his position as vicar for development after renting out the parish church for a music video shoot deemed inappropriate by Bishop Brennan.
An administrative review conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP revealed serious breaches of diocesan policies by Msgr. Gigantiello. Between 2019 and 2021, he transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts linked with Frank Carone's law firm without proper authorization or documentation.
Carone's firm repaid the initial $1 million transfer with interest between June 2020 and June 2021. However, additional transfers totaling $900,000 were made in August and November 2021 without required approval or notification.
In February 2022, Msgr. Gigantiello requested early repayment of loans without collecting substantial interest owed to the parish. Other instances of policy violations involving personal expenses charged to a church credit card are under investigation.
Msgr. Gigantiello has served as a priest since 1995 and became pastor at Our Lady Mount Carmel-Annunciation in 2017 after holding various roles within the diocese.
