LAS CRUCES, NM — The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces is almost $2 million in debt.

Bishop Ricardo Ramirez said the problems stem from the actions of a former employee, who took out $1.9 million dollars in unauthorized loans between 2004 and 2009.

The money was used to pay for employees health insurance costs and various projects within the Diocese. The unnamed employee has since resigned.

The Diocese is cutting several programs and employee hours to try and get back into the black.