Brooklyn monsignor demoted after $1.9M transfers to politically-connected projects
Frank Carone (left, Photo: Caroline Ourso) and Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello (right, Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese).
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has removed Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello from all administrative roles at Our Lady of Mount Carmel–Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish following an investigation into financial misconduct and other policy violations.
According to a statement released Monday, Bishop Robert Brennan relieved Gigantiello of pastoral oversight after investigations conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP uncovered a series of unauthorized financial transactions totaling $1.9 million between 2019 and 2021. These funds were transferred to accounts affiliated with Frank Carone, former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams.
Gigantiello, who previously served as the diocese’s Vicar for Development, did not seek required diocesan approval for the transfers, which included $1 million to Carone’s former law firm, Abrams Fensterman LLP, and $900,000 to two companies affiliated with Carone. The funds were eventually repaid, with interest, but Brennan described these actions as violations of diocesan policies.
The investigation began after Gigantiello permitted the filming of a pop music video at the parish without approval, an incident that drew public criticism.
Brennan also removed Deacon Dean Dobbins, the parish’s temporary administrator, citing the use of racist and offensive language in private conversations, which were recorded at Gigantiello’s direction without Dobbins’ consent, according to the diocese.
“These actions are necessary to restore trust and protect church funds,” Brennan said.
Gigantiello has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the financial transactions were legitimate investments that benefited the parish. He also accused diocesan leadership of targeting him out of jealousy.
The diocese emphasized its commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement as investigations continue.
Gigantiello, known for his fundraising efforts, remains the spiritual leader of the Williamsburg parish, though without administrative authority. Bishop Witold Mroziewski has been appointed as the new parish administrator.
Carone is a prominent Brooklyn lawyer and political figure. He served as president of the Brooklyn Bar Association and was a longtime partner at Abrams Fensterman, a law firm he helped expand through a 2011 merger. After stepping down as partner in 2022 to join City Hall, he has since returned to the firm as “of counsel,” providing legal expertise without full-time obligations.
Carone now leads Oaktree Solutions, a consulting firm representing high-profile clients like Northwell Health and the Durst Organization. He remains active in politics.
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