Episcopal priest Jerry Allan McBride concealed a tape recorder during a pastoral conversation with Julie Mabus and Ray Mabus, former governor of Mississippi. Governor Mabus used the recorded conversation as evidence in his divorce and child custody proceedings. In 2001 Mrs. Mabus filed a lawsuit against McBride individually in addition to St. James Episcopal Church, Jackson and the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi for “breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation, invasion of privacy, negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent retention/supervision, and clergy malpractice.” A Mississippi court ruled on October 7, 2004 in favor of Julie Mabus’s “claim of fraudulent concealment” against Jerry McBride.
Episcopal Divinity School graduate Jerry McBride was ordained in 1981. He listed himself in the Episcopal Clerical Directory as director of the “Conference of Rectors of Major Episcopal Parishes” and director of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He was on staff as curate and rector at St. James’s Church, Jackson from 1980 until leaving the priesthood in 2002.
The COO of 815 Second Avenue was also concealing a recording device during Executive Council meetings a few years ago. Things like this are probably easier now with smartphones, etc.