A Pennsylvania priest is in hot water for stealing more than $117,000 from a church to fund his gambling habit. The authorities charged Father George Athanasiou with 223 counts of theft last month.
His case will now go to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to a potential conflict of interest. Certain Washington County District Attorney’s Office members are reportedly part of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg.
We’re going to pay back all this money, every cent.”
The assistant priest dipped into parish funds in Washington County. His attorney said: “We’re going to pay back all this money, every cent.” The attorney also confirmed that his client had a gambling problem, which led to him embezzling the money mainly through illegally cashing checks.
Church officials noticed some discrepancies in September when looking at their accounting books. The authorities obtained security footage from ATMs which showed Father Athanasiou depositing checks.
The 37-year-old is currently out on bond and will undergo a mental health assessment, with a formal arraignment set for January. He is now working in an unspecified role to try to raise money for restitution.