PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Father Thomas Belczak has been required to step aside as pastor of St. Kenneth Parish, Plymouth, pending further steps by Church officials.
Law enforcement officials are investigating allegations that he has misused parish funds.
During this time, Belczak will not be permitted to be present at St. Kenneth; he will not be working or serving there in any capacity.
Despite the charges, some parishioners still speak highly of Belczak.
"He was like a big kid, always making people laugh," said Betty Wood. "My grandson just told me he was so happy because the pastor is so friendly.
"It's in Gods hands now. I pray that those who needed the money will obtain it in some other way and I pray that Father Tom will recover from this."
These charges come just months after Belczak's brother, Father Edward Belczak and his church administrator were indicted for stealing about $700,000 from St. Thomas More Church in Troy over eight years.
It's unclear to law enforcement officials if the investigation of Thomas Belczak is connected to the investigations of his brother in Troy.