TONAWANDA, N.Y. — In a place known for morals and forgiveness, justice is what’s on the minds tonight of those at St. Amelia Church in Tonawanda.
An investigation is underway after the church found an issue with its bank statements back in September, leading to an audit by the Buffalo Diocese.
The audit pointed to the church’s business manager Lisa Noble, who was hired in March, and tied her to a sizable amount of church funds that had gone missing. Reports indicate the dollar amount is $465,000 in missing funds, but 2 On Your Side has not been able to independently confirm that figure.
“You feel betrayed. You get angry. You get very upset,” said the church’s pastor, Michael LaMarca. “I take the responsibility as pastor quite seriously, especially when it comes to trust.”
Noble was relieved of her duties in late September following the audit. The case is now in the hands of the Erie County District Attorney and a grand jury, which brought charges against the former business manager, according to a church bulletin announcement.
LaMarca attributes the incident to an unfortunate breach of trust and protocol.
“We’re not a Fortune 500 company,” he said. “We don’t have all these departments. It’s a crime of opportunity.”
He said the church has been able to recover some of the funds already and is optimistic after filing fraud and insurance claims.
However, it is left praying for justice.
“As a priest, we teach forgiveness,” LaMarca said. “I've certainly been praying for all the parties involved. If charges are possible to be brought forward, that would be our hope that justice be served in that manner.”