💲Former Monmouth County church CEO admits stealing $1.2 million in parish funds
💲Prosecutors say stolen money paid for a Cadillac, fishing trips and home expenses
💲Ex-CEO Joseph Manzi faces restitution, tax penalties and prison after guilty plea
MIDDLETOWN — The former CEO of a Monmouth County church admits he stole $1.2 million used for personal purchases, including a Cadillac SUV, Yankees tickets and insurance.
Joseph Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, worked at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in the Lincroft section of Middletown until June 2025. After he left, the bookkeeper found expenses for the Cadillac, officials said.
The discovery led to further review of the credit cards used by Manzi, which turned up numerous unauthorized purchases for home repairs and services, medical and dental payments, chartered fishing trips and payments to fraternal organizations totalling $673,874, officials said.
ALSO READ: Send in the calvary! Seaside readies for holiday party chaos
Investigation uncovers tax fraud, unauthorized purchases
The investigation also found additional stolen funds, tax fraud and evasion…