Father William Damroth pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny charges on Dec. 17, and will pay $300,000 in restitution to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Newburgh. Damroth is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on March 18, 2025.

The case stemmed from an investigation that began in the summer of 2022 when the Archdiocese of New York conducted an audit and discovered financial discrepancies at the parish. Damroth, who served as pastor of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, which included Saint Francis and Sacred Heart churches in Newburgh, was transferred to Immaculate Conception Parish in Port Jervis that same summer.

Following news of the investigation, parishioners were informed by letters sent out by the archdiocese. Damroth stepped away from his duties during the investigation, which led to grand larceny charges in December 2023.

Damroth’s case is being handled in Orange County Court, with his next appearance scheduled before Judge Craig Brown. His defense attorney, Joseph Gulino confirmed the plea and explained that prosecutors had recommended five years of probation. However, Judge Brown imposed a split sentence: six months in Orange County Jail, followed by five years of probation.

A split sentence, also known as shock probation, involves serving part of the sentence in jail and the remainder on probation.

Gulino stated he plans to argue for straight probation at sentencing, citing mitigating circumstances, but withheld further details until then. He also clarified that the $300,000 restitution would cover all allegations against Damroth. Gulino did not provide specifics on how the funds were used, if at all.

Joseph Zwilling, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of New York, expressed gratitude for the work of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, stating, “While the case of Father Damroth is a serious and sad one, we are grateful to the District Attorney’s Office for their professionalism and diligence in bringing this matter to a conclusion. Our prayer now is for the people of Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, and all those affected by Father Damroth’s activities.”

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office was contacted for comment but did not respond by press time.