Troy priest under investigation following Archdiocese audit
Posted:
Updated:
Rev. Edward Belczak
By Amy Lange Fox 2 News
TROY, Mich. (WJBK) -- Father Edward Belczak has presided over the Parish of St. Thomas More in Troy for nearly 30 years. He is now under investigation and removed from his post pending the outcome after an audit by the Archdiocese discovered more than $400,000 had disappeared over the course of six years.
It's an allegation that has shaken those who know and love the priest.
"He's just a wonderful man that is not only important in the Catholic community, but in Troy as a community," says Mary Ellen Carroll Frye.
Her daughters were married by Father Belczak. Her husband and her daughter, Tiffany, were buried by Father Belczak. He is the priest that has been so instrumental in their lives.
"We are filled with disbelief, and I think we all have to remember that these are allegations," she says.
But the allegations against the 67-year-old priest are alarming, including taking $92,000 in excess compensation. Directing $16,000 to himself instead of the parish. $240,000 including benefits to a ghost employee. $26,000 in medical and dental coverage for someone. A $20,000 disability policy for one employee. Accepting but not recording $25,000 in commission checks to the St. Thomas More travel group. Failing to record or deposit collections for Mother's Day and Father's Day and failing to monitor more than $10,000 found in an employee's office desk.
We are told Father Belczak is very well liked and respected at the church. Everyone is just waiting to see the results of this investigation. But when we went to the office for comment, we were asked to leave the property.
At the Troy Police Department, we were told an investigation is underway, but police are nowhere close to wrapping it up or presenting anything to the Oakland County Prosecutor for possible charges.
So, for now, the people of this parish wait and wonder and pray.
"He's not been convicted of anything, and until that all comes out, I think we need to be thinking about him and praying for him," Carroll Frye says.
Monsignor John Zenz has been named administrator of the parish.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:27:07 GMT
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:57:29 GMT
Jurors have gone home without a verdict on the first day of deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl.
Jurors have gone home without a verdict on the first day of deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:55 GMT
It was a day of dramatic testimony in the manslaughter trial of the Detroit cop charged with killing seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones as Officer Joseph Weekley took the stand in his own defense.
It was a day of dramatic testimony in the manslaughter trial of the Detroit cop charged with killing seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones as Officer Joseph Weekley took the stand in his own defense.
Monday, June 10 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-06-10 23:55:49 GMT
Testimony got emotional on Monday as the jury heard from Aiyana Jones' grandmother, but the defense questioned whether she has told two different accounts of what happened.
Testimony got emotional on Monday as the jury heard from Aiyana Jones' grandmother, but the defense questioned whether she has told two different accounts of what happened.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:26:37 GMT
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:52:15 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:39:53 GMT
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:33:24 GMT
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults...
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults, as the clock ticked before lawmakers break for the summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:21:00 GMT
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
Rev. Edward Belczak
