Former Annunciation Greek Orthodox Greek Church Priest Finally Appears in Court

WISN
July 18, 2014

http://www.wisn.com/news/former-annunciation-greek-orthodox-greek-church-priest-finally-appears-in-court/27032978#!bikDCk

The third time was the charm for the priest accused of embezzling six figures from his former Milwaukee church.

Father James Dokos appeared in court Friday afternoon after missing two earlier hearings.

Dokos missed his first court appearance because his car broke down, and the second because he was in the hospital. The court commissioner warned if he failed to show up Friday, he would be headed to the jail.

Dokos' attorney wouldn't answer any questions before the hearing.

"We're not going to be making any statements. We've got to get into court," he said.

An elderly couple left more than $1 million estate to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, naming Dokos as trustee.

Prosecutors said he improperly used more than $100,000 to fuel a luxury lifestyle.

"They wanted it to go to the church, to the cultural center," former church secretary Stephanie Rauch said.

Rauch said she came to court looking for answers. She said that couple adored Dokos.

"God rest their souls. They're probably turning for what he did with their money, which belonged to the church," Rauch said.

Dokos left Annunciation two years ago for a church near Chicago.

After court, Dokos headed to the County Jail, where he was fingerprinted and had his mug shot taken.

Dokos is free on a signature bond. He's scheduled to be back in court in two weeks.