Former church treasurer accused of stealing $2M from Albuquerque abbey

A grand jury has indicted a man for allegedly stealing more than $2 million from an Albuquerque church where he served as treasurer for over several years.

Joseph Owens, 68, is federally charged with eight counts of wire fraud, 23 counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity and one count of attempting to evade and defeat tax. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and would have to forfeit any property or money obtained through the scheme.

Owens was a former member of the Norbertine Community of New Mexico (NCNM) and Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey — located in Southwest Albuquerque west of Coors — and became treasurer of the church in 2016, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court.

Robert Campbell, abbot for the church, declined to comment on the case.

Court records state that from May 2022 to March 2023, Owens transferred money from the abbey's account dedicated for foundation support, seminary and education and retirement funds and sent the money into accounts he controlled, including an account associated with a nonprofit law practice he established named Santa Barbara Advocacy Center.

In total, Owens transferred money to accounts he controlled 31 times and sent himself a minimum of $10,000 with each transfer, the indictment states.

The indictment alleges that Owens stole millions from the Santa Maria de la Vid and NCNM through wire and other financial transactions and used the stolen funds for personal investments. Owens also allegedly purchased a home in Placitas with money from the church.

"Prosecutors further allege Owens conducted domestic and international wire transfers, brokerage and cryptocurrency transactions, and other monetary transactions to conceal the origin of the funds and increase his profits from his crimes," states a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico.

Furthermore, the indictment states that Owens filed fraudulent 2022 federal tax returns. Court records state that Owens reported that his taxable income was $24,000 and that he did not owe any money in federal taxes, "thereby concealing the misappropriation from the Internal Revenue Service."

"In fact, as defendant knew, his taxable income for the calendar year 2022 was greater than the amount reported on the tax return and as a result of such additional taxable income, there was substantial additional tax due and owing to the United States of America," according to the indictment.

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.