Adams County District Attorney Shawn Wagner announced Thursday that the PA State Police have arrested Father Ceasar A. Belchez.
Belchez was arrested for allegedly embezzling approximately $384,000 from the Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Bonneauville, Adams County.
The thefts occurred between 2006 and 2011 while Belchez was the pastor of the parish. Belchez, 52, currently lives in New Freedom.
Criminal charges allege that Father Belchez embezzled almost $312,000 in money and also used the parish’s credit cards to purchase goods and services worth over $72,750. Those purchases were not approved by the parish.
The total amount of money which Father Belchez allegedly took is almost $385,000. This is the largest embezzlement case DA Wagner has ever prosecuted.
Father Belchez has been charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received and access device fraud, all third degreefelonies.
Wagner advised that Father Belchez could face 21 years in prison.
Belchez was arraigned Thursday and his bail was set at $50,000 unsecured, with the requirement he forfeit his passport. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 21 at Adams County Court.
DA Wagner thanked the Harrisburg Diocese and the PSP for their help and cooperation for concerning this theft.
Belchez was arrested for allegedly embezzling approximately $384,000 from the Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Bonneauville, Adams County.
The thefts occurred between 2006 and 2011 while Belchez was the pastor of the parish. Belchez, 52, currently lives in New Freedom.
Criminal charges allege that Father Belchez embezzled almost $312,000 in money and also used the parish’s credit cards to purchase goods and services worth over $72,750. Those purchases were not approved by the parish.
The total amount of money which Father Belchez allegedly took is almost $385,000. This is the largest embezzlement case DA Wagner has ever prosecuted.
Father Belchez has been charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received and access device fraud, all third degreefelonies.
Wagner advised that Father Belchez could face 21 years in prison.
Belchez was arraigned Thursday and his bail was set at $50,000 unsecured, with the requirement he forfeit his passport. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 21 at Adams County Court.
DA Wagner thanked the Harrisburg Diocese and the PSP for their help and cooperation for concerning this theft.