Woman charged with stealing from Port Huron, Michigan church

A 48-year-old woman who worked at St. Edward On-

the-Lake Catholic Church for 15 years is charged
with stealing $100,000 or more from the parish.
Jacalyn Renee O’Boyle of Port Huron Township was
charged with embezzlement, $100,000 or more Feb.
9. Bond was set at $2,500. A preliminary
examination is scheduled for 9:30 Tuesday
morning. Joe Kohn, Archdiocese of Detroit spokesman, said
they believe the theft was done during the past few y
ears. Court records list the offense date as Jan. 1,
2003.
Kohn said missing funds were discovered in July
during a regular audit conducted by the
Archdiocese. He didn’t know when the last audit was
done before that.
Kohn said O’Boyle and the church parted ways
following the audit, he didn’t know if she was fired
or resigned.
“We take seriously any action that would take from
the trust of those who give to the church,” he said.
Trooper Bethany Craig, with the Michigan State
police Richmond post, said she started investigating
the case in December. She said O’Boyle turned
herself in Feb. 9.
Craig said they are not releasing information about
how the money was allegedly embezzled.
“It’s always upsetting when someone is accused of
seriously betraying the trust of a community, but as
Christians, we’re taught to forgive even as justice
takes its course,” said the Rev. Joseph Esper, past of
St. Edward. “We’re praying for everyone affected by
this situation.”
Esper said he couldn’t comment further due to the
ongoing court case.