Norbertine Brother Charged with Stealing $2 Million from Abbey

James Joseph Owens
Norbertine Community
Santa María de la Vid Abbey
Author

Michelle La Rosa

Published

February 5, 2026

Summary

A former Norbertine brother, James Joseph Owens, 68, has been indicted for allegedly stealing $2 million from Santa María de la Vid Abbey in New Mexico. Arrested on January 23, Owens faces eight counts of wire fraud and twenty-three counts of engaging in money laundering transactions to conceal his theft. Prosecutors claim that Owens used the stolen funds for personal investments, including purchasing a house outside Albuquerque and filing a fraudulent tax return by knowingly underreporting income. He was named treasurer in 2016 overseeing the abbey’s investments and budget, particularly during a construction project aimed at expanding the retreat center. The IRS investigated him, charging him with fraud. Owens joined the Norbertine Community in 2009. Assistant Professor of Accounting Robert Warren from Radford University suggests that this case involves a sophisticated money laundering scheme involving international transactions. He recommends implementing internal controls to prevent financial fraud in parishes and other Catholic institutions, emphasizing the importance of having multiple individuals involved in handling finances. The Norbertine community is not alone in falling victim to financial fraud by employees or members; Owens’ position as treasurer placed him in a role where he had total control over funds with no enforceable internal controls.

Key Topics

James Joseph Owens, Norbertine Community, Santa María de la Vid Abbey


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