A Pennsylvania Priest Accused of Misusing Church Funds for Personal Purchases and Gaming
A Catholic priest in Pennsylvania was taken into custody after authorities say he used a church-issued credit card for personal expenses. The allegations include purchases linked to mobile games and gifts, as reported by WHSV-TV. The case centers on the alleged misuse of church resources for activities unrelated to parish duties, raising questions about financial oversight within the church community.
The accused, Father Lawrence Kozak, faced detention following allegations that he charged substantial sums to the church card. Investigators say his spending reached about $40,000, with many transactions connected to virtual items and game-related services. The purchases appeared to cover a broad range of popular mobile and online titles, and officials say more than two thousand transactions were coded as payments for gaming between September 2019 and June 2022. This pattern prompted a detailed review of the church’s financial records and led to the investigation by local authorities.
According to the priest, the expenditures were not intended for gambling but were meant to “enhance” his experience with digital gaming. He maintained that the charges were part of his personal hobby and did not involve gambling activities. However, prosecutors and investigators pointed to the lack of a clear separation between personal use and church-owned finances, noting that parish funds had been used to support non-parish activities, including gifts for his goddaughter. Among the items cited were items such as an Amazon Fire tablet and a chemist’s kit, which were purchased using parish money. The case underscores how easily financial governance can blur when personal interests intersect with church resources.
Authorities charged the priest with breach of trust and misappropriation of funds. He was arrested on a set date and faces charges that include theft, misuse of funds, and unauthorized access to a device tied to the church’s financial system. The legal process will determine the extent of the financial impact, while the community awaits the outcome and considers steps to strengthen oversight and transparency in church finances.
The episode stands as part of a broader conversation about accountability in religious organizations and the safeguards needed to prevent the improper use of church property. As investigations continue, observers expect the case to influence discussions on financial controls, auditing practices, and the role of clergy in maintaining clear boundaries between personal activity and church resources. The situation also raises questions about how parishes document and review expenditures, particularly when digital platforms and card-based payments are involved, and what measures can be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the broader context of public trust, communities often seek assurance that church funds are dedicated to their mission and community benefits. Cases like this highlight the importance of transparent financial reporting, independent audits, and reliable internal controls that can help protect both church assets and the people who rely on them. As the legal process unfolds, parish leaders may look to establish enhanced policies surrounding card usage, expense approval, and accountability mechanisms designed to safeguard against personal use of funds while preserving the integrity of parish operations.
Meanwhile, the broader narrative around this incident continues to evolve, reminding communities that proper governance matters just as much as spiritual leadership. The outcome of the case will be watched closely by parishioners, authorities, and observers who advocate for responsible stewardship of church resources and clear guidelines that prevent future abuses while supporting the positive work that churches undertake in their communities.