By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice announced that a former finance officer for a Roman Catholic church in Monmouth County has admitted stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the parish.
Joseph A. Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Jill O’Malley in Monmouth County to second-degree theft by unlawful taking and third-degree filing of a fraudulent tax return.
According to authorities, Manzi served as the former director of finance, operations and development for the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft.
Investigators said church officials discovered the alleged theft after Manzi’s employment ended on June 26, 2025.
A review of church credit card statements allegedly uncovered numerous unauthorized purchases and payments that benefited Manzi personally.
Authorities said the investigation revealed Manzi fraudulently used church credit cards for a wide range of personal expenses, including payments tied to a Cadillac SUV, luxury clothing, home repairs, medical and dental bills, sports tickets including New York Yankees games, chartered fishing trips, insurance payments and contributions to fraternal organizations.
A preliminary investigation determined Manzi embezzled approximately $673,874, but officials said further investigation uncovered additional stolen funds as well as tax fraud and tax evasion offenses.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a five-year sentence in New Jersey state prison.
The agreement also requires Manzi to pay $1.2 million in restitution to St. Leo and $73,032 in unpaid taxes to the State of New Jersey.