Priest, who recently left priesthood, arrested for allegedly defrauding parish

Scituate, R.I. The Rhode Island State Police announces that members of the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Steven Matthew Glover, age 42, of Coventry, RI, on one count of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, one count of Larceny over $1,500, and one count of Fraudulent Use of Credit Card. All charges are felonies.

On November 14, 2019, the Director of Compliance for the Diocese of Providence, filed a complaint with the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit alleging that a former priest had committed fraud prior to leaving the priesthood. The investigation revealed that Steven Matthew Glover allegedly purchased several thousand dollars worth of personal items to include furniture, a television, a video game console and laptop computers with his personal credit card then reimbursed himself using St. Rose and Clement Parish funds. The investigation also revealed that Glover used the church credit card to purchase furniture for his new home in Coventry. Detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit also uncovered a scheme in which Glover purchased furniture from a local store, reimbursed himself for the purchase with church funds, then cancelled the furniture delivery which reversed the charge on his personal credit card. In total, Glover is alleged to have absconded with approximately $40,000 worth of goods and services at the expense of St. Rose and Clement Parish.

On June 16, 2020, a court authorized search warrant was executed at Glover’s residence in Coventry. Several items allegedly belonging to St. Rose and Clement Parish were removed from the residence to include electronics and furniture. Glover was processed at State Police Headquarters, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace John McCaffrey and released on $5000.00 personal recognizances. Glover’s next court appearance is scheduled in the Kent County Third District Court on September 16, 2020.

Father Glover served as a priest from 2004 to 2019. His last assignment prior to leaving the priesthood was as Pastor at St. Rose and Clement Parish located at 111 Long Street, Warwick, RI. Glover left the priesthood in 2019 for personal reasons not related to these allegations.

Under Rhode Island General Law 11-41-4, a person found guilty of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses may be imprisoned up to ten years and fined up to five thousand dollars, or both.

Under Rhode Island General Law 11-41-1, a person found guilty of Larceny over $1,500 may be imprisoned up to ten years and fined up to five thousand dollars, or both.

Under Rhode Island General Law 11-49-4, a person found guilty of Fraudulent Use of Credit Card may be imprisoned up to three years and fined up to three thousand dollars, or both