Man Accused of Stealing from Church

KRIS
May 12, 2014

http://www.kristv.com/news/man-accused-of-stealing-from-church/


A Driscoll man is in jail, accused of stealing money from the church where he worked.

It appears he may have stolen at least $100,000 over several years from the St. James Church, which has locations in Driscoll and Bishop.

The Nueces County Sheriff's Office arrested Benito Reyes Jr. for forgery with a financial instrument, and theft.

Authorities say Reyes was pocketing cash donations, paying himself for hours he never worked, and reimbursing himself for personal expenses like groceries, claiming that they were for the church.

The Sheriff's Office says he would forge the head priest's signature on his time sheets and reimbursements.

We're told the Diocese of Corpus Christi has removed that priest while authorities investigate, but the Sheriff's Office says they don't believe he was involved.

Detectives tell KRIS 6 News they're still investigating and that there could be another arrest coming in this case.

The Diocese says they do have insurance, and that it will help them recover most of the funds lost.