Trust betrayed: Church embezzlement involves more than just theft

Published: 2004-01-16

MILWAUKEE (CNS) -- When a church is the target of theft, shock is a common reaction. When that theft is perpetrated by a church employee, shock gives way to feelings of betrayal. Jesuit Father Peter Etzel, pastor of Gesu Parish in Milwaukee, knows these reactions well. Last October, Rebecca Piekarski, Gesu Parish's bookkeeper for eight years, was charged with one count of theft and one count of fraud. She allegedly embezzled $518,469 from church collections. Piekarski, scheduled to appear in court Feb. 25, faces up to 25 years in prison, fines up to $20,000 or both. "Our employee was with us for eight years and she was well-known and well-liked," said Father Etzel. "Over the course of time, there is trust that's built. When something is discovered such as the magnitude that we've experienced, it shakes us. But we have to keep moving forward."

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