Former Jesuit finance director consents to $8.8 million civil judgment over embezzlement allegations

Barry Leidl, 62, consented in late April to an $8.8 million judgment in Ontario Superior Court to settle allegations that he embezzled millions from the Jesuits of Canada during more than three decades managing the order's finances. Cbc reported that the settlement consists of $6.5 million in damages, $1.27 million in interest and $990,000 in legal fees.

Leidl did not file a defence in the civil suit and no criminal charges have been filed.

The Jesuits of Canada discovered the irregularities in April 2025, five months after Leidl retired as director of finance. Court filings allege he misappropriated at least $3.5 million through a Scotiabank account and diverted another $3.1 million from 2018 to 2024 using fake insurance invoices whose template was created in 2010.

Additional claims include $300,000 taken from other accounts and improper expense claims for family travel.

Leidl began as assistant treasurer in 1991, became director of advancement in 2017 and was promoted to director of finance in 2022. After the Jesuits revoked his email access on April 16, 2025, he messaged Father Jeffrey Burwell that he had made mistakes and would do everything he could to make things right financially.

He later confessed to a forensic accountant that he had directed millions to himself.

Property records show Leidl and his wife Nancy realized $220,000 profit flipping three Ontario homes between 2019 and 2024 and additional gains on two Florida properties. Under the settlement terms Leidl must sell remaining assets including a Sauble Beach cottage and Guelph townhome.