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Lawrence Frances Kozak Jr., 51, of Clifton Heights, was released after posting $250,000 unsecured bail, court records show.
Troopers allege Kozak took funds from St. Thomas More Parish at 2101 Pottstown Pike. 6abc reports he's accused of spending more than $40,000 improperly, including on cell phone games Pokemon GO and Candy Crush.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia issued a statement Monday, April 29:
Father Lawrence Kozak was placed on administrative leave by the Archdiocese in November of 2022. His administrative leave followed a review of Saint Thomas More Parish’s financial activity by the Archdiocesan Office for Parish Services and Support.That review resulted in certain expenses and expenditure levels utilizing parish funds being questioned.
The Archdiocese then referred the matter to law enforcement. Father Kozak was arrested on Thursday, April 25th and faces felony theft charges.
The Archdiocese and the parish will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as the criminal matter enters its next phase. Pending the outcome of the criminal prosecution, Father Kozak remains on administrative leave.
Kozak has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 9.
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