Brooklyn Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello is facing a federal investigation after transferring nearly $1.9 million in parish funds to a firm with close ties to Democratic Mayor Eric Adams. This move, which reportedly included a $1 million transfer in 2019 and another $900,000 in 2021, has drawn the ire of church officials who say these actions were taken without the knowledge or approval of the diocese.
Gigantiello, who was removed from his position at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish, is accused of gross financial mismanagement. The transfers were made to Abrams Fensterman LLC, a firm run by a former aide of Mayor Adams. This unapproved financial activity has prompted an internal investigation by the church, with the findings raising serious concerns about adherence to Diocesan protocols.
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn addressed the scandal, expressing disappointment over the findings. As reported by the *New York Post*, Brennan announced that investigations by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP uncovered violations of Diocesan policies. In response, Bishop Brennan appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator to safeguard church funds and restore public trust.
While Gigantiello has been removed from his financial duties, his lawyer, Arthur Aidala, insists that the removal was due to “misunderstood financial moves” rather than any failure in his spiritual responsibilities. According to Aidala, the transfers were part of an “investment plan” for the church and were not improper in nature. However, the details of this plan remain murky, and many are questioning the rationale behind such large, unapproved financial moves.
In addition to the financial controversy, Gigantiello is also accused of misusing his church credit card for personal expenses. Aidala defended the priest’s actions, claiming that the credit card was part of his compensation package and did not constitute abuse. This defense, however, does little to ease the growing concerns about Gigantiello’s stewardship of church funds.
Gigantiello is no stranger to controversy. He previously faced backlash after allowing pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film a sensual music video at the church, which many Christians found deeply inappropriate. The music video, which was shot in the Immaculata Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, included provocative scenes that violated the sacred space of the church. In response to the scandal, Gigantiello issued a public apology, stating that he was unaware of the racy content of the video. He claimed that he had approved the filming with the understanding that it would be respectful of the church’s sacred space, but later acknowledged that some scenes were completely inappropriate.
In his apology, Gigantiello expressed regret for the incident, taking full responsibility for allowing the filming. He also pledged that the $5,000 the church received for the video would be donated to Bridge to Life, a pro-life organization. Despite this, many parishioners remain outraged, questioning how such an event could be approved in the first place.
The ongoing investigation into Gigantiello’s financial mismanagement and his involvement in the scandal has many wondering how deeply the corruption runs within the diocese. As federal authorities continue to examine his actions, the public is left grappling with the fallout from this disturbing story, which undermines the church’s credibility and raises questions about accountability at all levels of leadership.
