Funds missing from St. Christine's

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Police are investigating the reported theft of thousands of dollars from a West Side church but offering few details about the investigation.

According to police reports, the Rev. David Rhodes, pastor of St. Christine Church on South Schenley Avenue, told police that an audit of church finances was conducted and showed missing funds. The church is reportedly missing $10,000.

Police reports say the thefts took place over a 16-month period from June 2007 through October 2008.

Father Rhodes acknowledged the theft from the church and ongoing investigation but said legal counsel for the church has advised him to make no statement.

“All I can say at this time is no comment,” he said.

Youngstown police Capt. Rod Foley said he is working with city and county prosecutors in filing charges in the case. He said he is hoping to file charges sometime next week.

Foley said police, as a matter of policy, will not release names of any suspects or those who will likely face charges until charges have been officially filed.

Foley said he was notified about the possibility of missing funds from the church in November and went forward with a formal investigation into the matter when the church filed an official police report about the theft.