A financial investigation shows a former Darien priest may have traded in his life of simplicity for a life of excess to the tune of $1.4 million in contributions.

Bridgeport Bishop William Lori ordered the investigation of Reverend Michael Jude Fay by Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, which revealed the new figure instead of the original $200,000. The report claims the money went toward things like limousine rides, hotel stays, Cartier jewelry, Armani clothing from Italy and a Florida condominium over six years. Investigators also uncovered $350,000 in the priest?s private bank account, but could not determine where it came from.

Bishop Lori sent the findings to federal authorities and 1,700 parishioners at St. John?s Roman Catholic Church. The bishop says he accepts responsibility for Fay?s actions at the Darien church. Fay resigned from St. John?s in May amid the allegations, but has not been charged.

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