Norbertine Brother Accused of Stealing $2 Million

Former Norbertine brother James Joseph Owens, 68, in New Mexico has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than $2 million from his religious community. He had served as treasurer and oversaw a construction project.
He was arrested on 23 January and charged with eight counts of wire fraud, 23 counts of engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from unlawful activity, and one count of tax evasion.
Prosecutors allege that Owens stole the funds while managing the finances of the Norbertine Community of Santa María de la Vid Abbey.
Court documents state that he joined the community in 2009 and was appointed treasurer in 2016.
Investigators allege that, between 2022 and early 2023, he diverted abbey funds through wire transfers, brokerage accounts and cryptocurrency transactions. He then used this money for personal investments and to purchase a home near Albuquerque.
He is also accused of filing a fraudulent 2022 tax return by failing to report income from the …More