Stratford police charged 67-year-old Robert Genevicz with felony larceny Tuesday in a case involving a 72-year-old retired teacher and church member. He posted $50,000 bail.
Genevicz is pastor at Stratford Baptist Church.
The Connecticut Post reports that Trumbull and Bridgeport police are investigating allegations involving thefts from other elderly parishioners totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Police say Genevicz and a female accomplice allegedly bilked victims out of their life savings and used some of the money to buy a Mercedes and a Hummer.
Congregants of the church didn't want to talk about the unholy accusations made against the man they know as "Pastor Bob."
After learning of the warrant for his arrest, Genevicz surrendered to Stratford police Tuesday, who then charged him with larceny.
Investigators say he scammed more than $170,000 from a parishioner who lives in an assisted living facility.
Genevicz reportedly used the stolen money to buy a Mercedes and a Hummer. Rev. Michal Gitner of St. Joseph of Stratford finds the charges and the accusations hard to believe.
"He's my friend. And I know him. I know what he does. I just came by to tell him I love you, you're in my prayers and you have my support," said Gitner.
Attorney Joe Mager Jr. oversees the 72-year old's estate, a responsibility formerly held by "Pastor Bob." He says his client used her life savings to pay for her assisted living.
Now.. "If the money does run out were gonna have to get her on Medicaid or Title 19 as it's called and she'd leave the assisted living and go into a long-term health care facility," said Mager.
