Embattled Hartford Priest Will Not Return: Report

HARTFORD, CT — An embattled priest at a Catholic Church in Hartford will not be coming back, regardless of the outcome of an investigation into alleged fiscal improprieties.

According to WTNH Channel 8, Father Charles Jacobs will not be returning to the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 53 Capitol Ave., Hartford, where he's been on leave since January.

WTNH on Monday, citing the Rev. John Melnick, administrator of the Holy Trinity Church, quoted Melnick as saying Jacobs wouldn't be "returning here, period."

Jacobs was put on administrative leave by the Archdiocese of Hartford regarding "possible financial improprieties."

At issue is the taking of money from church coffers, which the Archdiocese of Hartford alleges was for personal use, while Jacobs has said it was to help out needy parishioners.

Currently, Hartford police and the archdiocese are still investigating the situation, WTNH reported.

WTNH reports that church attendance has dwindled since Jacobs was removed.

Many parishioners have questioned the reasoning for Jacobs' removal, siding with the local leader and questioning the motives of the archdiocese.

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report, click on this link.

From Feb. 19: 'Hartford Priest On Leave Amid 'Financial Impropriety' Allegations'