Former diocesan priest arrested for fraud

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SCITUATE — The Rhode Island State Police announced, on June 16, that members of the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Steven Matthew Glover, 42, of Coventry for fraud. The former priest of the Diocese of Providence was arrested on one count of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, one count of Larceny over $1,500, and one count of Fraudulent Use of Credit Card. All charges are felonies.
Glover served as pastor of SS. Rose and Clement Church in Warwick from July 2015 until August 2019 when he resigned as pastor and simultaneously withdrew permanently from the active ministry of the priesthood for personal reasons not related to these allegations.
In a statement, the Diocese of Providence said that both the diocese, “and SS. Rose and Clement Parish are saddened by the charges against Matthew Glover which are very serious and deeply disturbing. The diocese and the parish will continue to cooperate with the Rhode Island State Police as this matter goes forward. We pray for God’s grace and guidance for all who are affected by this troubling news, particularly the faithful parishioners of SS. Rose and Clement Parish.”
On November 14, 2019, the Director of Compliance for the Diocese of Providence, filed a complaint with the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit alleging that a former priest had committed fraud prior to leaving the priesthood. The investigation revealed that Glover allegedly purchased several thousand dollars worth of personal items to include furniture, a television, a video game console and laptop computers with his personal credit card then reimbursed himself using SS. Rose and Clement Parish funds.
According to the police report, the investigation also revealed that Glover used the church credit card to purchase furniture for his new home in Coventry. Detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit also uncovered a scheme in which Glover purchased furniture from a local store, reimbursed himself for the purchase with church funds, then cancelled the furniture delivery which reversed the charge on his personal credit card.
In total, Glover is alleged to have absconded with approximately $40,000 worth of goods and services at the expense of SS. Rose and Clement Parish, according the police statement.
On June 16, a court authorized search warrant was executed at Glover’s residence in Coventry. Several items allegedly belonging to SS. Rose and Clement Parish were removed from the residence to include electronics and furniture.
Glover was processed at State Police Headquarters, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace John McCaffrey and released on $5,000 personal recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled in the Kent County Third District Court on September 16, 2020.