The Ecclesiastical Court — independent members elected at the Diocesan Convention by votes including those of Grace & St Stephens — has, after a week of deliberations, found Rev. Don Armstrong guilty of the financial improprieties he was accused of.
An ecclesiastical court of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado unanimously found the Rev. Donald Armstrong guilty today of stealing nearly $400,000 from his Colorado Springs parish and of using discretionary funds improperly.
The court, made up of both clergy and lay church members, deliberated for eight days before issuing its ruling. Both sides have 30 days to respond before the court issues a sentencing recommendation that could be as severe as defrocking Armstrong.
During the trial, a forensic auditor hired by the diocese presented evidence that Armstrong diverted church funds to pay for his children’s college education and to cover personal expenses such as cell phone bills and car payments. A board member for a trust fund that Armstrong used for his kids said those funds were forbidden for such purposes.
The court pronounced Armstrong guilty of six counts that also included failing to report $548,097 in income to the Internal Revenue Service, receiving illegal loans of $122,479 and failing to maintain proper accounting books.
Word has it, the IRS is also investigating.
Armstrong — who conveniently claimed he and his congregation were jumping ship the day the presentment (indictment) was filed — continues to shrug it off as no matter.
The decision has no immediate effect on Armstrong, who left the denomination in March and continues to head Grace Church, as it is now associated with the Anglican Convocation of North America. His spokesman said he was not surprised by the results of what he has termed a “witch hunt.”
Alan Crippen, a spokesman for Armstrong, said that the vestry board of Grace CANA church is conducting its own forensic audit and will have the results by next month.
It’s true there’s not a whole lot the Diocese or Church can actually do to Armstrong — who’s been welcomed with open arms by the Nigerian-led CANA, and who could thus shrug off even an official defrocking for his malfeasance. Nonetheless, it’s good to see the truth out.
Fr. Jake has links to the background and evidence presented in the case. The official diocesan news bulletin is here:
The preliminary judgment made public today by the five members of the Ecclesiastical Court found unanimously that the Rev. Don Armstrong is guilty on all Counts included in the Motion for Summary Judgment in his case. Those counts are: Count 1 – commission of crimes, including theft of $392,409.93 from Grace Church, and causing Grace Church to issue false W-2s and underreport Armstrong’s income and benefits by $548,097.27; Count 2 – that Armstrong received illegal loans totaling $122,479.16 in violation of Diocesan Canons; Count 3 – unauthorized encumbrance and alienation of Grace Church’s real property; Count 4 – violation of the temporary inhibition placed on Armstrong; Count 5 – the improper use of clergy discretionary funds; and Count 6 – failure to maintain proper books of account.
‘Nuff said.
Then let us hope for the IRS to nail him and let his deep pocket supporters pony up to pay his fines. A little justice at least.