A Pennsylvania clergyman, facing scrutiny for financial misconduct, has confessed to the misappropriation of $40,000 from his parish. The funds, drained through a parish-issued credit card, fed the priest's mobile gaming habit, including titles such as "Candy Crush" and "Mario Kart," as well as personal expenditures. Despite the admission, he has evaded incarceration following a plea agreement.
The case came to light during a 2022 financial audit by a church accountant, which unearthed the irregular transactions. Initially, the priest, identified as Kozak, denied any deliberate wrongdoing, attributing the misuse to a lack of meticulousness on his part. "I’m not a details guy," Kozak explained, suggesting that the expenses might have been accidental. However, his stance shifted as he acknowledged his role in the mismanagement of funds.
The court heard Kozak's contrition as he addressed the impact on St. Thomas More's parishioners, expressing remorse for his lack of oversight. Moreover, he linked his behavior to a series of personal hardships, including the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, his father's death, and a debilitating car accident in 2016 resulting in a partial leg amputation.
Having repaid the stolen amount in full, Kozak is now receiving counseling for what he has described as a gaming addiction. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has responded by placing him on administrative leave and launching a canonical investigation. Kozak is also prohibited from any future financial oversight roles within the church.
Nevertheless, Catholics4Change, an advocacy group, has voiced strong criticism towards both Kozak and the Archdiocese's decision-making processes. They disparaged the apology delivered in court and questioned the wisdom of promoting Kozak to such a high position within the church hierarchy. The group's statement, as reported by the Daily Mail, excoriated the Archdiocese for a pattern of poor leadership appointments, exacerbated by a shortage of priests.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, represented by spokesperson Ken Gavin, has yet to publicly address the criticisms or the outcome of the sentencing.