CLAYTON--An employee and parishioner of St. Helena’s Church, Clayton, was arrested Jan. 31 and charged with theft by taking, accused of misappropriating church funds.

Father Peter Rau, pastor of the mission, said action was taken against Rita Key, who had worked as a volunteer at the mission since June 1993 and as an employee since July 1994.

He informed members of the congregation in a statement read at Mass on Sunday, Feb. 5.

“We just suspected the misappropriation of funds. We conducted an audit through the archdiocese. When credible evidence was found we brought it to the attention of the district attorney’s office,” he said.

“We regretted to do this, but as stewards of the funds that were entrusted to us, we had to do this.”

Mrs. Key is facing 30 counts of theft by taking, involving over $18,000 in funds. She was indicted by a Rabun County grand jury Jan. 30. The investigation was conducted through the Habersham County District Attorney’s Office which also covers Rabun County. Mrs. Key was to be arraigned Feb. 28 in Superior Court of Rabun County Mountain circuit. She is free on a $40,000 bail bond.