LONDON (ENGLAND)
Daily Mail
June 2019
An investigation into former Roman Catholic Bishop Michael Bransfield in West Virginia found he misused church funds, spending $2.4million on personal travel – including charter jets and luxury hotels – $4.6million on renovations for his church properties, and $1,000 per month on liquor for himself and subordinates.
A report obtained by the Washington Post Wednesday claimed abuse of booze, oxycodone, and other prescription drugs ‘likely contributed to his harassing and abusive behavior’ during his 13 years as Wheeling-Charleston Diocese bishop.
It’s also claimed Bransfield, 75, used $182,000 to have fresh flowers delivered to his chancery office daily.
It’s not clear what all of the $350,000 in gifting was for but Bransfield was paid more money to cover gifting which he was later reimbursed for, plus additional funds to cover the tax burden that would come with it.
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