Former Bookkeeper Sentenced for Theft of Funds from Parishes

Melissa Rivera, a 61-year-old former bookkeeper, has been sentenced to five years of probation for stealing nearly $293,000 from two Catholic parishes in Morris County. Rivera pled guilty to two counts of theft, admitting she created 137 fraudulent checks while employed at Our Lady of Mountain Parish, amounting to $287,487. Additionally, she wrote three checks totaling $5,242 from Our Lady of Good Counsel parish. As part of her probation, she must pay restitution of $292,728 at a rate of $800 per month. The thefts occurred between May 2018 and May 2024, leading to charges filed on March 27, 2025.

The investigation was initiated by a referral to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, which played a key role in the case. Prosecutor Robert Carroll acknowledged the unit's efforts in achieving the guilty plea. This case highlights the importance of oversight in financial roles within religious institutions.