Archdiocese accounting head arrested on theft charges

The Ramsey County attorney has filed seven felony-level charges against a former employee of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul in Minneapolis.

Scott Domeier served as director of accounting services for the Archdiocese for 17 years. According to the complaint, Dohmeier is accused of stealing more than $670,000 from the church over several years. An additional sum of money allegedly taken extends beyond the seven-year statute of limitations.

"He even went so far as to divert some money that was allocated for Hurricane Katrina," said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, who also called the case disturbing and sad.

"His fraud in this case is complex and he really went out of his way to develop this particular scheme all for the purpose of his own personal gain," Choi said.

According to the complaint, Domeier used the church's money to pay off his personal credit card, buy a car and pay for private school tuition for his children.

Domeier was arrested today.

The Archdiocese said in a statement that insurance will substantially cover its losses and it will be able to meet its financial obligations to parishes, schools and employees.