SOUTH COVENTRY, Penn. (Gray News) - A Catholic priest in Pennsylvania is accused of stealing more than $40,000 from the church to play Candy Crush and slot games, according to authorities.
Pennsylvania State Police said Lawrence Kozak spent those alleged funds on “Wizard of Oz” slots, Candy Crush Saga, Cash Frenzy, Mario Kart Tour and Pokémon Go, WHYY reported. Mini Candy Pulling Machine
Police said there were over 2,000 transactions marked as “gaming” from September 2019 to June 2022. Kozak allegedly told authorities that he was not gambling, but “powering up,” according to CBS News.
Authorities said the credit card was also used to buy gifts for his goddaughter like an Amazon Fire tablet and a chemistry set.
The Archdiocese issued the following statement in response to this incident:
“Father Lawrence Kozak was placed on administrative leave by the Archdiocese in November of 2022. His administrative leave followed a review of Saint Thomas More Parish’s financial activity by the Archdiocesan Office for Parish Services and Support. That review resulted in certain expenses and expenditure levels utilizing parish funds being questioned. The Archdiocese then referred the matter to law enforcement.
Kozak was formally arrested on April 25 and charged with theft by unlawful taking, failing to make the required disposition of funds and accessing a device he was unauthorized to.
Father Kozak remains on administrative leave.
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