The priest issued checks to himself and sent the money to other countries for three years, a diocese audit indicates.
By Associated Press
Published August 19, 2003
GREEN COVE SPRINGS - A Catholic priest has been arrested on charges he took more than $400,000 from his former parish and sent the money out of the United States for his own use.
Moises B. Palaroan, 52, of Keystone Heights, was arrested last week after the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine told the State Attorney's Office that a routine audit of St. Williams Parish in Keystone Heights had determined money was missing.
State Attorney Harry Shorstein said Monday his office determined that Palaroan had been systemically issuing checks to himself that were not authorized and were not for the church's business.
A statement by the diocese said it conducts an audit of each parish every four years and when there is a change in pastor. When Palaroan left his assignment in July, the audit was conducted.
The priest allegedly sent the money to other countries that Shorstein would not disclose. The prosecutor also said the priest obtained loans from friends and church members after misrepresenting that he needed money to help family members in the Philippines needing surgery.
Investigators believe the priest took more than $400,000 over three years.
Palaroan was booked into the Clay County Jail Friday and charged with grand theft in excess of $100,000. He remained jailed Monday on $400,000 bail, Shorstein said.
