Priest's In-App Gaming Spree Leads to Theft Charges

A Catholic priest in Pennsylvania has been charged with theft and other related crimes after spending more than $40,000 of the church's money on in-app purchases for mobile games.

Father Lawrence Kozak, a priest at Saint Thomas More Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, was arrested on April 23rd, 2024, and charged with theft and other related crimes. Kozak's spending spree took place over three years, beginning in September 2019, shortly after he arrived at the church, and ending in July 2022.

The purchases were discovered by the church's accountant, who noticed excessive transactions with the App Store. An internal investigation linked Kozak to the Apple ID used to make the purchases, and he was forced to leave the church in November 2022.

Records show that Kozak made in-app purchases in several popular mobile games, including Mario Kart Tour and Candy Crush. He also used the church's credit card to purchase a child's chemistry set, a backpack, and a fire tablet from Amazon, which were shipped to his goddaughter's home.

During an interview with detectives, Kozak claimed that he was struggling with a mobile game addiction and was trying to find counseling to help him. He also stated that he did not intentionally use the church's credit card for in-app purchases, but rather that the card was previously attached to his accounts to allow him to pay church bills.

However, Kozak admitted that he may have accidentally used the church's credit card to make in-app purchases. He has since sent the new priest a check for $8,000 and promised to repay the church in full.

Kozak was released on $250,000 bail and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 25th, 2024. The investigation into the theft is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.

The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about the financial oversight of churches. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has released a statement expressing its disappointment in Kozak's actions and stating that it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

In addition to the theft charges, Kozak is also facing allegations of misusing church funds for personal expenses. He allegedly used the church's credit card to purchase gift cards for himself and his family members, and he also used church funds to pay for personal travel expenses.

The church has launched its own internal investigation into these allegations, and Kozak has been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

The case of Father Lawrence Kozak is a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the importance of financial integrity in religious institutions. It is also a reminder that even those in positions of trust can be tempted to misuse their power for personal gain.