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stumbler
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Published in the Asbury Park Press 06/21/05
BY BOB CULLINANE
STAFF WRITER
RUMSON — The Rev. Joseph W. Hughes, the former pastor of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, whose fondness for expensive cars, upscale restaurants and Caribbean vacations drew the ire of some parishioners and the attention of church auditors, was charged by a grand jury Monday with stealing more than $2 million from the wealthy parish.
And in a development unrelated to the criminal charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor John Kaye also confirmed Monday what has been circulating as a rumor in the Holy Cross community for months: Hughes, 61, and former church handyman David C. Rogers, 25, are kin.
“There apparently is a family relationship between Father Hughes and Rogers,” Kaye said, refusing any details.
Rogers, who came to the church in 1998 as a teenager and was allowed by Hughes to live in the parish center and the rectory, later moved to a house in Howell purchased for him by Hughes.
Hughes also bought Rogers a $47,000 BMW, jewelry and assorted household appliances, but Kaye said Monday Rogers was not involved in any improper activity and would not be charged with any crime related to the thefts. . . .
Full article
BY BOB CULLINANE
STAFF WRITER
RUMSON — The Rev. Joseph W. Hughes, the former pastor of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, whose fondness for expensive cars, upscale restaurants and Caribbean vacations drew the ire of some parishioners and the attention of church auditors, was charged by a grand jury Monday with stealing more than $2 million from the wealthy parish.
And in a development unrelated to the criminal charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor John Kaye also confirmed Monday what has been circulating as a rumor in the Holy Cross community for months: Hughes, 61, and former church handyman David C. Rogers, 25, are kin.
“There apparently is a family relationship between Father Hughes and Rogers,” Kaye said, refusing any details.
Rogers, who came to the church in 1998 as a teenager and was allowed by Hughes to live in the parish center and the rectory, later moved to a house in Howell purchased for him by Hughes.
Hughes also bought Rogers a $47,000 BMW, jewelry and assorted household appliances, but Kaye said Monday Rogers was not involved in any improper activity and would not be charged with any crime related to the thefts. . . .
Full article
