Thousands of Dollars Stolen from Church

GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. - A sinful act in a place of God. Tens of thousands of dollars have been stolen from a Grosse Pointe Woods church, and the finger of blame is being pointed at a former church volunteer.

"Total dismay and disappointment. That's just sad that anybody could steal at all, let alone from our church," said Cathy Coughlin.

Coughlin shared her anger after learning about alleged embezzlement from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic church. According to police, $93,000 is missing. The discovery came after a routine audit.

Back in May, an archdiocese attorney showed police copies of checks a former bookkeeper wrote to themselves and cashed during a two year span.

"Shame on you. It's just awful and I hope they step up and I hope they pay it back and I hope they're punished sufficiently," Coughlin said.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office now has all of the information from detectives. Charges could come soon.

Coughlin now feels this sad situation should be sending a message to the church. "It should be a warning sign for everybody. There should be audits in place for everything at all the churches. I know I've warned my own priest about it," she said.

Clergy at this church did not wish to comment. No word on whether they will be able to get the money back.