(AP) - The Roman Catholic Diocese ofBridgeport says a Connecticut priest who pleaded guilty to stealingmore than $1 million from a Darien parish to support a lavishlifestyle has died.

The diocese says the Rev. Michael Jude Fay died Saturdaymorning. Fay had prostate cancer and was serving a three-yearsentence at Butner Federal Correctional Complex in North Carolinaafter being convicted in December 2007.

Fay's death came a day after a judge refused to dismiss a suit againstthe diocese by a former bookkeeper at St. John Roman CatholicChurch. Bethany D'Erario says she was harassed for exposing Fay'scrimes.

Fay set up secret bank accounts and spent the money oninternational travel, expensive gifts and a Florida condominium.