Episcopal priest Matthew Dutton-Gillet was fired in September 2020 after a forensic audit found he had embezzled more than $200,000 from Trinity Episcopal Church in Menlo Park, CA. A previous financial review by church leaders found that Dutton-Gillet had stolen at least $125,000.
The Episcopal Diocese of California retained Evidentia Consulting of Redwood City to conduct the investigation. The firm found that Dutton-Gillett began using the funds for personal use in 2011, shortly after he became rector in 2009. Church officials said he used a variety of methods to funnel money from the church’s operating funds, including electronic transfers, credit cards, and other means.
Menlo Park police launched a criminal investigation, and entered into an agreement for discipline with the diocese, suspending him from ministry for four years.
At the time of his suspension, Dutton-Gillet told media outlets: “This is a very painful time for me, and particularly for my family. I have a deep love for the Trinity community, and they for me, and I know that this is painful for them, as well. I regret that deeply.”
As of 2022, Dutton remains listed in the online Episcopal Clergy Finder.
Menlo Park: Trinity Episcopal Church priest fired for misusing more than $200,000 in funds
These are the ones that always hit the hardest. I accept that there are genuine psychological sickos in every industry with horrible se</x perversions, and we all unanimously denounce them.
However, you would think that a priest would have enough moral fortitude to not give into simple greed and steal from parishioners – much of that money going to charities. Furthermore, I bet there are still some from his community who will try to excuse or outright defend him.
Just all around unfortunate.
What really makes me cringe is the bit about how he loves his parish. If you love someone or something, you don’t steal from them. Full stop.