A St. Tammany priest has been arrested and accused of stealing money from a church parish.
According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Rev. Daniel Chinedu Okafor was taken into custody Monday morning at his Abita Springs residence.
He will be booked on charges of theft, computer fraud, and monetary instrument abuse.
According to the sheriff’s office, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation after personnel with the Archdiocese of New Orleans contacted them in August to report discrepancies involving the finances at St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs.
The audit of the parish’s finances showed Okafor had deposited more than 30 checks made out to the church into his own bank account and used the funds for personal expenses, according to the sheriff’s office.
Okafor is accused of taking $21,000 in church funds and using it for personal use over a period of more than two and a half years.
This is an ongoing investigation, and additional charges are possible.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of financial misconduct involving the Rev. Okafor is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Brad Guarino with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-276-1321.
“When someone is placed in a position of trust, especially within a church, there is an expectation that they will act with honesty and integrity,” Sheriff Bret Ibert said. “Allegations of this nature are taken very seriously. We appreciate the cooperation of the archdiocese throughout this investigation. From the beginning, they have taken these allegations seriously and worked closely with our detectives to ensure the matter was thoroughly investigated.”
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is strictly a financial matter and does not involve any allegations concerning minors.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued the following statement regarding the allegations against the priest:
“Today, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Fr. Daniel Okafor on charges in connection with money taken from St. Jane de Chantal where he served as pastor. This was discovered by members of the parish who reported it to archdiocesan officials, who immediately reported it to the Saint Tammany Parish Sherriff’s Office. We have been and continue cooperating with the Sheriff’s Office as this investigation continues. Read the full press release from St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office online here.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, we ask that anyone with information or with concerns reach out to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“Please join us in prayer for the people of St. Jane de Chantal and St. Michael Mission and for all those involved in this parish. You can find Archbishop Checchio’s letter to the people of St. Jane de Chantal Parish online by clicking here.”
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