A Catholic pastor from Ballenstedt in the Harz showed himself, because he took 120,000 euros from the parish. His reason: He was cheated on the Internet. One day later, there are new details: The man had used the money for illegal gambling on the net, said a spokeswoman for the Diocese of Magdeburg.
According to the diocese, the 64-year-old reported to the state criminal police for fraud and told Bishop Gerhard Feige that he had fallen for Internet fraudsters. That is why he embezzled the sum of the community funds.
"I am so sorry that I betrayed your trust in this way," said the pastor. The diocese said that the man had stolen money since the summer.
Whether or not he should continue to work in his community Ballenstedt (Saxony-Anhalt), the parish wants to advise. As a result, the Magdeburg Bishop should receive a recommendation from the Municipal Assembly.
Bishop Feige had relieved the pastor of his activity as a director of the parish of Ballenstedt and announced further consequences. The 64-year-old has to repay the money, according to Feige.