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	Priest Refutes Claim He Misappropriated Funds NBC 2 November 29, 2011 http://www.nbc-2.com/story/16145385/2011/11/29/priest-accused-of-taking-1m-breaks-silence In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Father Stan Strycharz broke his silence and says he has a report that proves he did not misappropriate $1 million in parish funds. He also revealed why he believes the allegations were made. Father Strycharz started the press conference with something he hasn't been able to do while on administrative leave – lead a prayer. He says he was under a gag order from the diocese and was unable to discuss why he was being investigated – until now. He says an independent investigation into the church's funds discovered there was no evidence of misappropriated parish funds – an allegation that has been weighing heavily on Father Strycharz for more than a year. "It's like my life was taken away from me," said Strycharz. Father Strycharz believes it stemmed from a request he didn't obey. He says Bishop Frank Dewane told him to fire the music director. "I was not given any reason whatsoever and I asked many times for a reason and I really believe you cannot fire someone without a cause," said Father Strycharz. But the diocese released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying "Father Strycharz's administrative leave was not directly caused by matters related to the dismissal of parish personnel. As Father noted in his press conference, he fathered a child and it is in that vein that the concerns of the faithful and the Diocese originated." Even though he was under investigation, Strycharz still had his supporters at St. Leo's in Bonita Springs. "You would never ever believe that about him. I never did. I still don't. I think it's wonderful that he was able to say what we believed all along," said Marie Perretti. Belief is all Strycharz needs now. As he tries to clear his name, he says he is no longer with St. Leo's but will continue to work in the community. "My mother always told me when in doubt make small steps. I think now when I clear my head I will start making decisions and I believe there are many doors open for me," said Father Strycharz. Strycharz admitted in the press conference that he did father a child. He claims Bishop Dewane agreed in 2008 that it was confidential information that wouldn't be released. While Strycharz was on administrative leave Bishop Dewane revealed it to his parishioners. The diocese continues to refute the independent accounting firm's claims and says this matter is still under investigation. Diocesan statement in response to Father Stan Strycharz's press conference: At a press conference held earlier today and in a press release sent this morning from public relations representatives, Father Stan Strycharz made repeated false statements. It was hurtful and sad that the Diocese learned of the press conference from news reports rather than from Father directly; however, the contents of the press conference had basically all been heard before. This opportunity is taken to refute only some of the falsehoods levied against the Diocese and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. To begin, this press conference was not the first time Father Strycharz has stepped forward since being placed on administrative leave. His voice has been echoed through a paid public relations firm for many months—this is hardly evidence that he has been silent during the canonical process. During the canonical process, the rights of all parties involved, include the priest, the parish, and the faithful must be respected. Letters from Bishop Dewane to the parish were issued to respond to pressing questions from the parishioners of St. Leo Parish, and not intended hurt Father Strycharz. All information was based on facts and an independent expert report by financial auditors. There was never any attempt by the Diocese to embarrass Father Strycharz, and each correspondence addressed the factual findings of the investigation. It was not the actions of Bishop Dewane that caused the investigation and financial reviews of St. Leo Parish, but rather Father Strycharz's behavior. As was previously addressed, the initial concerns, which were raised by parishioners, prompted the Diocese to evaluate Father Strycharz's commitment to his priestly promises of chastity and obedience, and his fiduciary responsibility. Father Strycharz's administrative leave was not directly caused by matters related to the dismissal of parish personnel. As Father noted in his press conference, he fathered a child and it is in that vein that the concerns of the faithful and the Diocese originated. It was suggested during the press conference that Bishop Dewane "absolved" Father of his having fathered a child. As a matter of Church law bishops do not hear confessions from priests in their Diocese. Bishop warned Father Strycharz that he had violated his priestly promises, and that all relationships must cease. It was only after proof was presented to Father Strycharz that he admitted to fathering a child. As noted by Father Strycharz and his public relations representatives, Father Strycharz maintained personal credit cards that accounted for nearly $665,000 in undocumented expenses, averaging $11,000 per month over the 5 year period in question. Contrary to what his accountant said at the press conference, it is not common for an administrator to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on personal credit cards, and to be reimbursed by the parish that employs them. Credit card statements alone do not tell the full story, and the statements within the Larson Allen report are unchanged. In addition to credit card expenditures, there were other questionable expenses. The former business manager was provided with almost $172,000 in tuition for her children's education, above and beyond her salary. Further, despite the obvious conflict of interest, the brother of Father Stan was paid $149,705 in work that was unknown to the parish staff. Likewise, the father of the former business manager was given periodic payments totaling $45,150, and again, parish staff was unaware of the justification for such payment. Larson Allen reported that the record provided to them by an outside bookkeeper was "incomplete." Providing expert independent auditors with a fraction of credit card statements, of which no itemization or account of use is noted, is completely unacceptable. Father had full knowledge of diocesan financial policies and procedures for the parishes, and Father Strycharz was given corrective actions to ensure the proper fiscal management of the parish. During the press conference, the report of the firm The Financial Valuation Group was mentioned, of which the Diocese has not received a copy. Father Strycharz was provided a copy of the Larson Allen report. Perhaps if Father Strycharz had been as cooperative and transparent with Larson Allen during their financial review, the Diocese and the parish would have the information they need. There were also claims at the press conference that the Diocese has stated that Father Strycharz is responsible for money missing from the parish. This is completely untrue. The Diocese has only echoed the findings of Larson Allen, namely that, "Given the frequency and relative size of the expenditures made over the five year period, the lack of following these procedures is a breach of Fr. Stan's fiduciary responsibility to the Church." The Diocese was surprised to learn from today's press conference that Father Strycharz was opening an office to practice psychology and is placing his priesthood aside. It is true however, that Father Strycharz is in the middle of a canonical process and as such the Diocese will continue to respect his rights as a priest under Church law. In the midst of such controversy, the heart of the Church is sometimes overlooked. The Diocese prays for a peaceful outcome which respects all parties involved.
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