GARDEN CITY, Mich., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A Detroit-area priest said he used parishioner donations for gambling and nude-resort trips, but prosecutors say there's not enough evidence to charge him.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the Rev. Donald Demmer of Garden City, Mich., made more than 200 casino trips since 2000, and traveled to a clothing-optional resort on St. Martin in the Caribbean.
"He funded his lifestyle in part by multiple donations from parishioners made to him personally," Worthy told the Detroit Free Press. "It is unlikely that the parishioners were aware of how their gifts were used. The conduct of Father Demmer, while disturbing, is not criminal."
Demmer has denied wrongdoing. The Archdiocese of Detroit placed him on medical leave in June, the paper said.
Worthy did, however, announce charges against church secretary Debra Ann Kilyanek, alleging she embezzled more than $100,000.
