An Abita Springs priest was arrested Monday after investigators accused him of diverting approximately $21,000 in church funds for personal use, according to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The Rev. Daniel Chinedu Okafor, 44, was taken into custody at his Abita Springs residence on the morning of November 9.
The sheriff’s office said he would be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on felony counts of theft involving $5,000 or more but less than $25,000, computer fraud and monetary instrument abuse. Its announcement did not confirm that booking had been completed.
The investigation began in August, when Archdiocese of New Orleans personnel contacted the sheriff’s Financial Crimes Unit about financial discrepancies at St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs.
According to the sheriff’s office, an audit found that more than 30 checks payable to the church had been deposited into Okafor’s personal account and used for personal expenses.
Detectives worked with archdiocese personnel and allege that the diversion of church money occurred over more than two and a half years.
The sheriff’s office described the case as a financial investigation and said it does not involve allegations concerning minors.
Investigators said the inquiry remains open and additional charges are possible. Anyone who believes they experienced financial misconduct involving Okafor is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Brad Guarino at 985-276-1321.
