Troy Priest Temporarily Removed in Probe of Church Funds, Detroit Archdiocese Says

The Detroit News
January 23, 2013

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130123/LIFESTYLE04/301230351/1409/METRO/Troy-priest-temporarily-removed-probe-church-funds-Detroit-archdiocese-says

The Archdiocese of Detroit temporarily has removed a priest from a Troy parish while authorities investigate accusations he mishandled thousands of dollars in church money over the past six years.

Archdiocese officials said the Rev. Edward Belczak has been "temporarily excluded from the office of pastor" at St. Thomas More, meaning he cannot hold that post until an administrative review process is completed.

Belczak, 67, remains a priest but is expected to leave parish housing, officials said in a statement Tuesday.

The allegations include:

Taking compensation beyond what is allowed by archdiocesan policies, causing the parish to lose an estimated $92,000 over six years.

Accepting and directing funds that should have been posted to parish accounts, causing the parish to lose an estimated $16,000 over six years.

Paying a "ghost employee" $240,000.

Maintaining improper medical/dental insurance coverage for an individual, causing the parish to lose an estimated $26,000 over six years.

The Troy Police Department is investigating.

Belczak couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday night.

According to the archdiocese, he was ordained in 1972 and had served at National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak and Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington.

As the probe continues, Msgr. John Zenz, episcopal vicar of the Northwest Region and pastor of Holy Name in Birmingham, has been named administrator of St. Thomas More, the archdiocese said.