Hartford Priest On Leave Amid 'Financial Impropriety' Allegations

HARTFORD, CT — A prominent priest in the Hartford community has been put on administrative leave by the Archdiocese of Hartford regarding "possible financial improprieties."

Father Charles Jacobs last month was suspended from duties at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 53 Capitol Ave., Hartford, according to an announcement from the diocese.

Calling it "difficult news to share," the Very Rev. John Melnick, Holy Trinity's administrator, notified parishioners of the situation in January.

According to Melnick's announcement, the archdiocese "received information" about the situation last month.

"Father Jacobs has since advised us that he has taken an undisclosed amount of money from the parish for his unauthorized and personal uses," wrote Melnick to parishioners.

"As a result, Father Jacobs has been placed on administrative leave while the Archdiocese conducts an investigation into the parish’s finances. Father Jacobs is cooperating with that investigation."

Melnick reassured parishioners that the church is financially stable, and able to pay bills, and Masses will continue as normal.

According to Melnick, when the investigation is complete, parishioners will be notified of the coming steps.

"This, of course, is shocking and disappointing news to us all. We ask that you understand the seriousness of the allegations and allow the investigative process to take its course," he said.

The situation came to a head at the church's Jan. 26 Mass when, at the end of it, a parishioner walked up to the podium to protest the decision to put Jacobs on leave.

This happened shortly after an announcement was made about Jacobs' situation, with the parishioner being met with applause.

"We know him. We know him as people. Would Father Jacobs ever do that? No. No. No he would not. He would not do that," the parishioner said.

The service ended with the unnamed parishioner still at the podium pleading his case in support of Jacobs.

According to commenters on the church's YouTube feed of the Jan. 26 service, Jacobs is a well-loved priest, some attributing their love of the church to his leadership.

For the full statement on the situation that was sent to parishioners, click on this link.

To watch the Jan. 26 Mass at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Hartford, click on this link.