Wilmington – Following a 5- month investigation by the Attorney General’s Senior Protection Initiative, the New Castle County Grand Jury has indicted Father Michael Angeloni with one count of Theft over $100,000 for stealing from a parishioner of the Church of the Holy Child, where he previously served as Assistant Pastor.

“Crimes in which a person abuses a position of trust to financially prey on their victim are especially unconscionable,” Attorney General Biden said. “It’s a sad fact that criminals target the elderly, which is why my office works every day to protect seniors and other vulnerable Delawareans from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

The investigation was initiated in February, 2011 after the Attorney General’s Senior Protection Initiative received a report from Wilmington Trust of suspicious financial activity on the victim’s account. The investigation revealed that Father Angeloni, age 62, solicited money from the victim on multiple occasions to pay certain expenses when, in fact, the money was used for other purposes. The total amount taken from the parishioner exceeded $305,000.

The investigation is ongoing. Attorney General Biden urged any additional victims to contact the Attorney General’s Senior Protection Initiative at (302) 577- 8508.

The Delaware Department of Justice reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

# # #

<< Back