In a shocking turn of events, a church in New Jersey has found itself at the center of a scandal involving its former bookkeeper, who is accused of embezzling approximately $1.5 million. The Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft has filed a lawsuit against Joseph A. Manzi, claiming he misappropriated church funds over several years to finance a lavish lifestyle that included sports tickets, personal vehicle expenses, and even wedding costs for his daughter.
According to the complaint filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Manzi was employed by the church from March 2014 until June 2025, during which time he was responsible for overseeing the church’s financial operations. However, instead of fulfilling his fiduciary duties, Manzi allegedly exploited his position to use church funds for personal gain. The lawsuit states that he systematically misused parish funds, treating the church’s operating account as if it were his own personal bank.
The church’s complaint details a range of extravagant purchases made with church credit cards, including payments for a Cadillac, tickets to various sporting events, home construction projects, and even cigars and meals. It’s reported that charges on these cards were directly deducted from St. Leo’s operating account, in blatant violation of the church’s policies, which clearly stipulated that business credit cards were to be used exclusively for church-related expenses.
As the investigation unfolds, the church has stated that the total amount of financial misconduct uncovered thus far exceeds $1.5 million, and Manzi has yet to reimburse any of the misappropriated funds. The church characterized Manzi’s actions as "widespread fraud and theft," emphasizing that he treated the church’s finances as his own "personal piggy bank."
The Catholic Diocese of Trenton has taken the allegations seriously, releasing a statement confirming that a preliminary investigation corroborated the church’s concerns. They have reported the matter to local and state law enforcement and are exploring civil remedies for the misappropriated funds. The diocese has committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues, but they have refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
A spokesperson from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit but declined to confirm or deny any active investigation at this time. This situation raises significant concerns about financial oversight within church operations and serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in all financial dealings.
As the church community grapples with the fallout from this incident, it underscores the need for vigilance and transparency in managing church resources. This case not only highlights the potential for financial misconduct but also calls for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of church operations.
For further insights on financial accountability within religious organizations, consider reading about the importance of transparency in church finances on GuideStar.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and as the church seeks justice for the alleged wrongdoing.