Retired Worcester Priest Gets 3-week Sentence in Money Laundering Case

By Craig S. Semon
Telegram & Gazette
March 24, 2017

http://www.telegram.com/news/20170324/retired-worcester-priest-gets-3-week-sentence-in-money-laundering-case

WORCESTER – A retired Catholic priest pleaded guilty to money laundering stemming from his involvement in an overseas scheme that defrauded women seeking companionship online. He was sentenced to time served (three weeks) because of a mental condition that impaired his judgment.

The Rev. Thomas B. Fleming, 67, a resident of Dodge Park Rest Home, originally pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of money laundering. He changed his plea to guilty on one count.

On Friday in U.S. District Court, U.S. Assistant Attorney David G. Tobin recommended that Rev. Fleming to be incarcerated for a period of time served, as well as three years of supervised probation, paying $90,105 in restitution to five victims and $100 special assessment fee.

Rev. Fleming was held in custody for roughly three weeks following his arrest in Florida last July. He could have faced up to 21 months in prison for a single money laundering charge.