CARNEGIE, Pa. (KDKA) – A Moon Township man faces multiple charges alleging he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from St. John Lutheran Church in Carnegie.
Allegheny County Police have arrested 73-year-old William Reed, who now faces multiple charges in connection with the crime.
KDKA photojournalist Dan Vojtko
Reed has held several positions within the church over the past 14 years that gave him access to finances, including the role of treasurer.
According to court documents, board members reported possible embezzlement of church funds to investigators in late May.
Board members told police that over the years they had noticed that only small billings had been made and that Reed had always assured them that there was no cause for concern.
Board members also said Reed would block them and refuse to release requested records related to a “Good Samaritan account.”
According to police, Reed eventually began closing accounts where he was the sole signatory and sending emails to board members admitting to stealing and embezzling church funds.
Reed is currently free on $5,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing next Thursday.
