A Trust Betrayed: Church Worker Accused of Stealing Half a Million Dollars
Joseph A. Manzi, who served as the director of finance, operations, and development at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft, New Jersey, is accused of stealing over half a million dollars from his own parish.
A Lavish Lifestyle
Manzi allegedly used the stolen funds to finance a lifestyle that included:
- Designer clothes
- A fancy car
- Tickets to Yankees games
The Discovery
The trouble began when Manzi was fired in June. About a month later, an auditor noticed discrepancies in the church's accounts. The Diocese of Trenton then filed a civil lawsuit, accusing Manzi of misusing parish funds for personal gain. Prosecutors later charged him with theft by unlawful taking.
The Extent of the Theft
Manzi had sole control of the church's credit cards. Investigators claim he made unauthorized purchases and payments totaling over $300,000, including:
- Chartering fishing trips
- Buying luxury items
- Paying for home repairs
- Purchasing tickets to sporting events
Additionally, he is accused of diverting over $200,000 in cash from the church for his personal use.
Betrayal of Trust
The attorney general's office stated that Manzi used his position of trust to steal from the church. They emphasized that the money was not used for any emergency or to feed his family, but rather to live a more lavish lifestyle.
Consequences
The director of the Division of Criminal Justice stated that church members who donate their hard-earned money expect it to be used for the good of the parish. Instead, Manzi allegedly enriched himself with church funds. If convicted, he faces:
- Five to ten years in state prison
- A fine of up to $150,000
Lessons Learned
This case raises questions about the importance of oversight and accountability in organizations, especially those that handle large sums of money. It also highlights the potential consequences of unchecked power and the betrayal of trust.
