OMAHA (NE)
KETV - ABC 7 [Omaha NE]
January 14, 2022
By KETV Staff Report
Gutgsell is already facing felony charges of theft and theft by deception in Douglas County
The Rev. Michael Gutgsell, who served as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha for nine years, was charged Thursday with felony theft by deception in Sarpy County court.
Gutgsell is already facing felony charges of theft and theft by deception in Douglas County, accused of taking the savings of a retired priest and giving all of it and more to a man said to be homeless.
In Sarpy County, Gutgsell is accused of stealing more than $5,000 from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield between October 2019 and July 2021.
In previous court appearances, Gutgsell’s attorney has said he gave $700,000 to the man over a period of eight years, including most of his own personal savings. Gutgsell has denied there was any attempt at extortion by the man instead saying he was simply trying to help him.
The man allegedly gambled-away the $700,000 and more over the 8 year period.
In Douglas County, Gutgsell is accused of taking $180,000 in savings of retired priest Theodore Richling , Jr. while Gutgsell served as his power of attorney. Richling was suffering from dementia in his final years.
Gutgsell served as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha from 1994 to 2003. He has been relieved of parish duties.