Share:
Font Size:

Father Timothy Joseph Kane, 57, of Detroit and Dorreca Marvie Brewer, 34, of Jackson, are alleged to have participated in a fraudulent scheme to steal money from the Archdiocese of Detroit's (AOD) Angel Fund, a charity fund created to assist people in need. An investigation conducted by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office alleges that the two defendants conspired to conduct a criminal enterprise to fraudulently obtain the charity funds during a period of years from August 2008 until July 2012.

The AOD supplied the money in the Angel Fund, which was to be used for individuals demonstrating financial hardship. It was restricted to residents of Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Applicants would complete a form detailing their need for assistance and were required to show government-issued identification to confirm their residence in the designated cities. Once the form was completed, the application would be submitted to the assigned priest of the parish for his approval and signature. Once approved, the form was sent to the AOD Department of Finance and Administration, where the request was recorded and a check was mailed to the recipient.

From July 2008 through June 2011, Defendant Kane was the Associate Pastor of St. Gregory the Great and the Church of the Madonna, both in Detroit, as well as St. Benedict in Highland Park. In February 2012, he was reassigned as a Christian Service Contactor at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament and in July 2013, he also became the Parochial Vicar to St. Moses the Black Parish. It is alleged that from approximately August 22, 2008 until July 24, 2012, Defendant Kane conspired with Defendant Brewer by knowingly filing and approving false applications to the Angel Fund. In return, both defendants received thousands of dollars from the fraudulent transactions. The AOD became aware of the scheme in 2012.

Defendants Kane and Brewer have each been charged with:

  • Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy - 20 years;
  • Computers - Using to Commit A Crime - 20 years;
  • Uttering and Publishing - 14 years;
  • Conspiracy to Commit Uttering and Publishing - 14 years;
  • Embezzlement from a Charitable Institution - $1,000.00 or More < $20,000. - 10 years;
  • Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement from a Charitable Institution- $1,000.00 or More < $20,000 - 10 years.

"This fund was set up to assist those who truly needed emergency assistance. The evidence will show that Father Kane abused his position of trust. It is especially troubling that someone who has dedicated his life to helping others is alleged to have stolen from the church," said Prosecutor Worthy.

Defendant Kane will be turning himself to be arraigned at 36th District Court on the morning of Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Arrangements are being made for Defendant Brewer to be arraigned.

# # # #