Westfield Man Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement From Church

WESTFIELD, NJ - A 52-year-old Westfield man has pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzling $60,000 from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of America, according to United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey S. Berman.

“As Director of Finance of the Greek Orthodox Church, George Papadakos was supposed to serve his Church, not himself," Berman said. "As he admitted today, he embezzled from the Church for nearly six years. For this sin, he faces the possibility of time in a federal prison.”

Papadakos served as the Director of Finance of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and plead guilty to using funds for personal expenses before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, officials said.

“Mr. Papadakos used his position at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to steal from the hand who employed him," USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said. "Today’s plea is a reflection that Karma always comes from a higher authority and justice escapes no one.”

According to the allegations in the Information to which PAPADAKOS pled guilty, as well as statements made in court during the plea proceeding:

Between 2012 and September 2017, Papadakos charged approximately $66,499 to a corporate credit card for personal expenses without GOAA’s authorization. These personal expenditures included charges for home improvements, clothing, a gym membership, iTunes, and medical bills. During the period of embezzlement, GOAA was enduring financial difficulties.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America released a statement that said "after becoming aware of financial irregularities in late 2017, the Archdiocese self-reported its discoveries to governmental authorities in the State of New York. In the Spring of 2018, the Archdiocese was contacted by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Since that time, the Archdiocese has worked cooperatively with their offices."

Papadaoks pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Papadakos has agreed to both forfeiture and restitution of $66,499.

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