Cops today arrested a priest who church officials reported was stealing money from a Northshore parish.
"Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation after personnel with Archdiocese of New Orleans contacted them in August to report discrepancies involving the finances at St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs," Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni said in a news release.
She says they launched a forensic probe of the church's books and Rev. Daniel Chinedu Okafor.
"An audit of the parish’s finances revealed that Okafor had allegedly deposited more than 30 checks made out to the church into his personal bank account and used the funds for personal expenses."
Father Okafor allegedly stole about $21,000 over about 30 months.
"This is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are possible."
The priest face charges of felony theft, computer fraud, and monetary instrument abuse.
“When someone is placed in a position of trust, especially within a church, there is an expectation that they will act with honesty and integrity,” Interim Sheriff Bret Ibert said. “Allegations of this nature are taken very seriously. We appreciate the cooperation of the archdiocese throughout this investigation. From the beginning, they have taken these allegations seriously and worked closely with our detectives to ensure the matter was thoroughly investigated.”
Carboni says there is no evidence Okafor's crimes are related to any other criminal acts.
"This investigation is strictly a financial matter and does not involve any allegations concerning minors."
