MANCHESTER, N.H. – A priest who was the former leader of one of the nation’s top clergy treatment centers has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for stealing more than $100,000 from a hospital, a dead priest’s estate and New Hampshire’s Roman Catholic bishop.
Monsignor Edward Arsenault held several senior positions in the New Hampshire diocese from 1999 to 2009, when he became president and CEO of Saint Luke Institute in Maryland. He resigned in May 2013 after allegations arose involving an inappropriate adult relationship and misuse of church funds.
Arsenault pleaded guilty to three felony theft charges and was sentenced on Wednesday. He apologized for his actions.
The plea agreement calls for Arsenault to serve 4 to 20 years in prison.
He’s still a priest.