TAMPA, Fla. — The Diocese of St. Petersburg said Monday that Christ the King Catholic Church was the victim of a complex financial crime.
A church and Diocese of St. Petersburg spokesperson said a former employee stole $775,000 from its parish operating account over the last five months. 10 Tampa Bay is not naming the person in question because charges have not yet been filed.
The church, located on South Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, is in the middle of a large construction project of a new youth center. Pastor Rev. Len Plazewski said that and other financial factors helped conceal the theft.
The Diocese says none of its parishioners' personal information was compromised, and parishioners were made aware of what happened this past weekend during all masses.
According to the spokesperson and Plazewski, the individual responsible agreed to enter a plea in federal court that "will include full repayment to the Parish and other penalties to be determined by a federal judge." When the employee was confronted, the person admitted guilt, they said.
A representative with the U.S. Attorney's Office said the office has nothing to share at this time.