Former treasurer of New Mexico religious group accused of stealing $2 million in funds

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque man has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than $2 million in funds from the Norbertine Community of New Mexico and Santa María de la Vid Abbey and filing a false federal tax return.

James Joseph Owens, 68, a former member of the Norbertine Community of New Mexico and the treasurer for NCNM and Santa María de la Vid Abbey, allegedly transferred more than $2 million in abbey funds to accounts he controlled from May 2022 to March 2023, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

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Owens allegedly used the funds for personal benefit, including deposits into investment accounts and the purchase of a residence in Placitas…

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