Priest pleads guilty to stealing more than $100,000 from North Strabane church
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A priest in Washington County has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 from the church he worked at to help fuel a gambling addiction.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office says George Athanasiou pleaded guilty earlier this week to felony theft charges that were filed last year after more than $117,000 was discovered to have been embezzled from the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church's bank account.
"Stealing money is theft, plain and simple, whether it is committed by a petty criminal or a trusted faith leader, which was the case here — this priest betrayed parishioners by stealing donations that otherwise would have benefited the church," Attorney General Henry said. "This plea to a felony charge holds the defendant accountable for his conduct, while also providing a significant restitution payment that will go to the church community."
Athanasiou was suspended from his duties as a priest without pay pending the investigation.
The Attorney General's Office says George Athanasiou has paid back $155,000 in restitution.
Athanasiou will be sentenced early next year.