2TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Joseph A. Manzi, a former officer at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking. The charge comes after allegations that Manzi embezzled over $500,000 from the church.

Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, is accused of using church funds for personal purchases. Attorney General Platkin stated that the defendant is alleged to have “used his position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.”

The complaint details that Manzi’s actions were not for basic needs but for a “more lavish lifestyle.” Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa L. Hilton, emphasized that church members who donated funds expected their contributions to be used appropr

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