MICHIGAN
Detroit Free Press
By Patricia Montemurri, Detroit Free Press
September 1, 2015
Catholic priest Edward Belczak pleaded guilty Tuesday to fraud in connection with embezzling $573,000 of money from St. Thomas More church in Troy, the prosperous parish he led as pastor for nearly 30 years.
Belczak agreed to forfeit a plush Florida condo he bought with parish money and pay $573,000 in restitution. His sentencing will be Dec. 1; the sentencing guidelines call for him spending 33 to 41 months in prison.
Belczak wore his priestly collar during the hearing before U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow.
Belczak initially said he thought some donations to the parish were intended for him, but his comments did not seem to sit well with Judge Tarnow.
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