Catholic Priest Accused of Embezzling $40K for Mobile Games
Lawrence Kozak was charged with theft by unlawful taking, failing to make required disposition of funds, and accessing a device he was unauthorized to.
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Lawrence Kozak was charged with theft by unlawful taking, failing to make required disposition of funds, and accessing a device he was unauthorized to.
This particular priest allegedly embezzled over $40,000 from the church to fuel his gaming addiction. Lawrence Kozak, according to authorities, took funds meant for the church to spend on popular mobile games such as Candy Crush Saga, Cash Frenzy, Mario Kart Tour, and Pokémon Go, as well as the Wizard of Oz slot machines. These games don't offer any way to win real money; however, they do allow you to spend it in the games.
Lawrence Zozak, a 51-year-old reverend in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, claims the spending spree was an accident.
This particular priest allegedly embezzled over $40,000 from the church to fuel his gaming addiction. Lawrence Kozak, according to authorities, took funds meant for the church to spend on popular mobile games such as Candy Crush Saga, Cash Frenzy, Mario Kart Tour, and Pokémon Go, as well as the Wizard of Oz slot machines. These games don't offer any way to win real money; however, they do allow you to spend it in the games.
Lawrence Kozak Jr., 51, of Clifton Heights, was arrested Thursday and charged with multiple counts of theft. Prior to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s investigation, Kozak was a priest at St. Thomas More Church in South Coventry Township.