Former Bookkeeper Charged With Bilking Funds From Parishes
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 10:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
MORRISTOWN, NJ.- On Thursday, March 27, 2025, following an investigation, a 60-year-old Haskell, New Jersey, woman and former bookkeeper was taken into custody and charged in connection with embezzling nearly $300,000 from two Roman Catholic parishes in Morris County, New Jersey.
According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, on Thursday, Melissa Rivera, 60, of Haskell, was formally charged with one count of second-degree Theft; third-degree Theft; two counts of second-degree Computer Criminal Activity; and two counts of fourth-degree Forgery. Rivera was processed on the charges and was released on a summons complaint pending future court proceedings in Morris County Superior Court.
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The charges stem from an investigation that began when Detectives of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a referral alleging missing funds from a Roman Catholic parish in Washington Township, New Jersey.
The referral alleged that between May 2018 and January 2024, Rivera had stolen around $192,000 while employed as a bookkeeper at Our Lady of Mountain Parish located in Washington Township, New Jersey, by writing numerous checks to herself from parish bank accounts.
Investigation Uncovers Nearly $300,000 In Theft
During the course of the investigation, Detectives uncovered that between May 2018 and May 2024, Rivera was creating checks at Our Lady of the Mountain and Our Lady of Good Counsel parishes, located in Morris County, New Jersey, while employed as a bookkeeper. Rivera then deposited the checks into her personal bank accounts, which created a total loss of $292,728.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
