Fake priest soliciting donations

The Diocese of Jefferson City has been notified by the Chief of Police of Salisbury, MO that a man purporting to be a Roman Catholic priest or monk, and claiming to have plans to build a convent or monastery, is soliciting money for donations.

Diocese officials believe this individual is using the name "Ryan Scott," "Abbot Ryan St. Anne Gevelinger, O.S.B.," "Most Reverend & Lord Abbott Ryan (St. Anne) Gevelinger, O.S.B." or a combination of these names.

To the best of the diocese's knowledge, this individual is not a validly ordained Roman Catholic priest and similar warnings regarding his behavior have been issued by the dioceses of St. Louis; LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Peoria, Illinois; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Dubuque, Iowa.

Diocese officials said this individual does not have the permission of Bishop John R. Gaydos to establish a convent or monastery in the Diocese of Jefferson City.

If anyone encounters this individual making such claims and seeking money, they are urged to notify local law enforcement.