An Albuquerque resident has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly embezzling more than $2 million from the Norbertine Community of New Mexico and Santa María de la Vid Abbey, and for filing a false federal tax return.
Court records state that James Joseph Owens, 68, served as treasurer for both organizations. Between May 2022 and March 2023, he is accused of transferring over $2 million in abbey funds to accounts under his control. These included accounts linked to a nonprofit law practice he founded. Prosecutors allege Owens used the money for personal purposes, such as depositing it into investment accounts and buying a residence in Placitas, New Mexico.
Authorities further claim that Owens carried out domestic and international wire transfers, engaged in brokerage and cryptocurrency transactions, and conducted other financial activities to hide the source of the funds and maximize his profits. He is also accused of not reporting this income on his 2022 federal tax return and submitting an amended return that significantly understated his taxable income. This was allegedly done to conceal the misappropriated funds from the Internal Revenue Service.
Owens faces eight counts of wire fraud, 23 counts of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from unlawful activity, and one count of attempting to evade taxes. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
"First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory of IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office, made the announcement today."
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is handling prosecution.
Authorities remind the public that an indictment or criminal complaint is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
