Midland Park Priest Accused of Swindling Parishioners Takes Leave

MIDLAND PARK, N.J. -- A Midland Park priest accused of accepting more than $250,000 in cash and gifts from elderly parishioners at a Short Hills church has taken a leave of absence during the investigation, his attorney told nj.com.

The Rev. Alex Orozco is stepping down during an investigation into the charges he took money from parishioners.
Photo Credit: *Church of the Nativity*

Jerry DeMarco

10/16/2015 3:30 p.m.

The Rev. Alex Orozco , the parochial vicar at the Church of the Nativity, took advantage of his former parishioners by claiming to have financial troubles, NJ Advance Media reported earlier this month.

"By mutuality, until all this stuff comes into some perspective, he is taking a leave," Robert J. Degroot told nj.com. "I don't know where he's going to be staying, but he's not going to be working in ministry until these things are sorted out."

Orozco, 37, has been at the Midland Park parish for just over a year.

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