Diocese: Former CFO’s embezzlement scheme did not impact Blue Ribbon Commission’s school closings report

Fox29 is reporting the former chief financial officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been arrested on embezzlement charges.

Anita Guzzardi was fired last year and details came to light last month about an investigation into her alleged theft of $1 million from the diocese.

Update, 1 p.m. “The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has worked closely with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office regarding the embezzlement of funds by Anita Guzzardi, the former chief financial officer of the Archdiocese,” a statement from the diocese reads. “Donations to the Heritage of Faith – Vision of Hope capital campaign and the annual Catholic Charities Appeal were not impacted. The theft had no effect on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission or the decision to close or regionalize any school.”

Update, 12:20 p.m. “The District Attorney’s Office has charged 42-year-old Anita Guzzardi with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, theft by receiving stolen property, forgery and unlawful use of a computer,” reads a release from the D.A.’s office.

The South Philadelphia native is accused of paying off credit cards with money taken from the diocese.

The diocese appointed new CFO Timothy O’Shaughnessy late last month. His role is official April 16.