The Rumson priest who pleaded guilty to swindling the Holy Cross Roman Catholic parish has been let out of prison after serving fewer than six months of a five-year sentence, the Asbury Park Press reports today.
Rev. Joseph W. Hughes, who owes Holy Cross more than $2 million for the pricey cars and other luxuries he bought over seven years using the church’s funds, was released Nov. 29, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections website. The website doesn’t give Hughes’ whereabouts.
The report says Hughes was admitted to an Intensive Supervision Program over the objections of the Prosecutor’s Office.
First Assistant Prosecutor Peter Warshaw told the Press that he does not know where Hughes, 62, is living or if he is employed.
Hughes also owes the state more than $120,000 in unpaid income taxes.