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State Investigating Former Manchester Diocese Official For Misuse Of Funds

The New Hampshire attorney general’s office is investigating a former top official in the Manchester diocese.

Monsignor Edward Arsenault is under investigation for improper transactions involving diocesan funds.

According to Diocese of Manchester, it was allegations about a inappropriate adult relations that prompted its scrutiny of Monsignor Edward Arsenault. That in turn, uncovered evidence suggesting Arsenault misused diocesan funds.

Arsenault was the diocese point person for during its  landmark settlement sexual abuse settlement with the state a decade ago.

Arsenault left New Hampshire in 2009 to lead the St. Luke institute, a Maryland treatment center for Priests.

The St. Luke institute says Arsenault offered his resignation in light of the allegations, which remain under investigation.

Arsenault also served on the board of the Catholic medical center, which has asked the the Attorney General’s office  to review a 2009 consulting deal it had with Arsenault.

According to CMC, the contract ended in 2010 and was signed  after Msgr. Arsenault's resignation from its board.

In a statement, Manchester Bishop Peter Libasci says he’s committed to reviewing diocesan operations to ensure issues are identified and corrected.

“We will do this in the light of day.”

I cover campaigns, elections, and government for NHPR. Stories that attract me often explore New Hampshire’s highly participatory political culture. I am interested in how ideologies – doctrinal and applied – shape our politics. I like to learn how voters make their decisions and explore how candidates and campaigns work to persuade them.

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