Skip to content
Christ The King Anglican
  • Home
  • Church debts
  • Church administrations
  • Church services
  • Church credits
  • Church insurance
  • Home
  • Church credits
  • Former church pastor charged with embezzlement

Former church pastor charged with embezzlement

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • January 22, 2022
  • Church credits

January 22, 2022

By Jessica Mathews / [email protected]

More than three years later, the former pastor of a local church faces a felony charge for allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Mark Milatz had been the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Brighton since 2010. In December 2018, Milatz tendered his immediate resignation from the church and ordained ministers of the Lutheran Church of Missouri synod.

Earlier this month, the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office authorized an embezzlement charge of $50,000 or more against Milatz. He will be arrested on February 4.

The crime complaint states that the alleged embezzlement began on or about January 1, 2011.

A Michigan State Police investigation found that Milatz transferred money between his personal bank accounts and church accounts. He is accused of embezzling more than $250,000 from 2011 to 2018, but he cannot be charged for some earlier alleged thefts because Michigan’s statute of limitations is six years for embezzlement.

After Milatz resigned, he moved to Wisconsin. He reportedly expressed a desire to reimburse the church and settle out of court, but the church continued the criminal investigation. The irregularities came to light after the church accountant started noting unusual charges every month and became suspicious.

Milatz is accused of using church credit cards for personal gain, submitting false receipts and issuing refund checks to himself, and taking money from a fundraiser. funds for a parishioner involved in a car accident.

Milatz issued a statement of apology acknowledging his wrongdoing and that he betrayed his calling. Milatz said he struggled with anxiety and depression that led to alcohol abuse and other toxic behaviors. A report says he intends to plead guilty and is willing to return the funds.

lutheran church

Jerry B. Hatch

Post navigation

Prev
Next
  • Church credits

Economic news: November 24 to 30

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • November 24, 2022
  • Church credits

DeKalb County Church Files Lawsuit After Financial Plan Cost Church Millions – WSB-TV Channel 2

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • November 23, 2022
  • Church credits

See the Opening Celebrations of Giving Machines 2022

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • November 20, 2022
  • Church credits

Queen Creek Church Holds Christmas Market

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • November 20, 2022
  • Church credits

Church Announces New Album ‘The Hypnogogue’ – and Books Spring 2023 Tour Dates

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • November 17, 2022
  • Church credits

Roundup: Another Hillspoint House, ShoutOut LA, Church Organ…

  • Jerry B. Hatch
  • November 15, 2022

Categories

  • Church administrations
  • Church credits
  • Church debts
  • Church insurance
  • Church services

baptist church catholic church church building church church church leaders church located church members episcopal church jesus christ long term lutheran church methodist church parking lot payday loans senior pastor sunday morning united methodist united states

Recent Posts

  • Cost of living: Chorley church offering free haircuts, newspapers, hot meals and debt advice

  • Local Church Hours for Hemingford

  • Economic news: November 24 to 30

  • Free Thanksgiving Dinners, Church Services Scheduled | Way of life

  • Town centers need a ringing church bell

Archives

  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • May 2021
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions