BishopAccountability.org
Natchitoches Priest Suspected in Theft of More Than $250,000

Town Talk
November 23, 2011

www.thetowntalk.com/article/20111123/NEWS01/111123015/Natchitoches-priest-suspected-theft-more-than-250-000?odyssey=nav%7Chead

A Catholic priest at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church in Natchitoches has been arrested by State Police on suspicion of stealing at least $250,000 from the church.

The arrest of the Rev. Jim Foster, who had been the priest at Immaculate Conception for five years, was announced Wednesday afternoon by the office of Bishop Ronald Herzog, who heads the Diocese of Alexandria.

More information on the case was released by State Police Troop E.

Foster resigned in October following an audit. Herzog informed the church congregation of Foster's arrest in a letter.

"An analysis of parish financial records ... indicated that a substantial amount of money was unaccounted for," Herzog's office said in a news release.

"Because of the large sum of money involved, the Louisiana State Police were immediately contacted and the information turned over to them," Herzog said.

State Police Troop E reported, "The total amount of funds obtained by Foster from January 1, 2008 to present was in excess of $250,000."

The case has been turned over to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney's Office.


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