Former Somerset Pastor Admits To Stealing $516K From Church

SOMERSET, NJ — A former pastor of St. Matthias Parish in Somerset admitted on Wednesday morning to stealing more than $516,000 in parish funds for his own personal use.

Fr. Douglas J. Haefner, 68, was criminally charged by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree theft before the Honorable Peter J. Tober. He remains out on his own recognizance until his scheduled sentencing on Aug. 4.

"This is a sad and disturbing case for all involved, particularly for the people of the parish community who placed their trust and confidence in Fr. Haefner," said Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., spokesperson and chancellor of the Diocese of Metuchen. "We are grateful that this matter has come to its long-awaited conclusion."

The parish began to notice financial issues in 2016 and several attempts were made to audit the funds. The audit was delayed several times at Haefner's request due to health problems and needing more time to prepare, according to the parish.

The audit finally began in 2018 and at the time Haefner approached Bishop James F. Checchio to say he had borrowed money from the parish, which he had hoped to repay. Haefner also said he was struggling with other personal problems, according to the parish.

The Diocese of Metuchen contacted the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and together they launched a two-year investigation.

Haefner resigned as pastor and his priestly faculties were withdrawn. He underwent evaluation and received treatment as the investigation unfolded, according to the parish.

An audit by the Prosecutor’s Office found that $516,984.56 in parish funds was mishandled, according to the parish.

"Gratefully, both audits independently determined that no funds from the parochial school were ever misappropriated," according to Chancellor Kearns. "Now that the Prosecutor’s Office has finished its work, the diocese and parish are able to continue working with insurance adjusters to assess restitution."

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