Former Stratford Pastor Sentenced For Stealing From Parishioners

STRATFORD, CT — Former Stratford pastor Robert Genevicz has been sentenced to two years in prison for fleecing two elderly people out of their life savings, according to the Connecticut Post. Genevicz’s accomplice in the scheme, former gospel singer Doraine Reed, was recently sentenced to nine years in prison.

Daniel Tepfer of the Post reports the judge sentenced Genevicz, 72, to 10 years, suspended after serving two years in prison and followed by five years of probation. Reed was hired as a health-care aide for Arthur Devack, of Trumbull, and was accused of working with Genevicz to convince Devack to make her his sole beneficiary, according to the Post. Devack died in 2010 at the age of 88.

Genevicz was also charged with stealing nearly $400,000 from a retired Stratford school teacher who has since died. He had faced up to 60 years in prison.

In July 2014, Genevicz wrote a typewritten confession to Stratford police and blamed his acts on his 15-year relationship with a woman who he said led him to make bad decisions.

Also in 2014, Genevicz, who was known as "Pastor Bob" to parishioners, had his ordination removed by the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut.

Read more about Genevicz’s sentencing at the Connecticut Post here.

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