Embezzlement Trial Ordered For Montco Church Bookkeeper
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The former bookkeeper at a Montgomery County church has been ordered held for trial on charges that he embezzled more than $156,000 from the house of worship over a two-year period (see previous story).
Today, James Moody waived his preliminary hearing on theft and related charges.
Prosecutor Steven Latzer says the 47-year-old Philadelphia man started working at the Victory Fellowship Church in Lower Providence in late 2010, and six months later began stealing money to create a lavish lifestyle for himself.
"Moody acted as an independent contractor and was paid by the church for his services," Latzer tells KYW Newsradio, "however Moody then secretly added himself to the payroll, so he was being paid twice for the same work."
Moody was on probation when he allegedly committed these thefts. He has already served time for stealing more than $21,000 while he was controller of Special Olympics of Montgomery County. Latzer says Moody has paid back very little of that money.
Prosecutors also say Moody gave the church false information when he applied for his job, in an attempt to cover up the prior conviction.
