Former Wauwatosa priest suspected of stealing from his church

WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- A former priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa is suspected of stealing money from his congregation. FOX6 has uncovered recently released subpoenas that detail how much money he may have taken, and what he spent it on. The documents suggest Father James Dokos may have spent money that was supposed to be donated to the church on everything from $1,000 worth of flowers, to a racquet club membership.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is investigating Father Dokos, who was the pastor at the Wauwatosa church for over two decades.

In 2011, Father Dokos gave FOX6 News a tour of the church building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Court records show wealthy donors left the church more than $1 million in a trust Father Dokos oversaw.

According to the trust documents, Father Dokos was supposed to get paid $5,000 for administering the trust, but the supboenas suggest he may have paid himself more than $60,000 -- money that was supposed to be given to the church for construction and maintenance of the cultural center.

Checks show Father Dokos may have spent more than $1,000 at a florist, $700 at a racquet club, paid numerous medical bills and wrote his bank a check for $57,000.

The church says it stumbled upon the possible thefts by accident.

The President of the Parish Council sent a letter to church members, explaining the investigation and urging members to focus on the facts and refrain from gossiping.

Father Dokos was transferred in June of 2012 to a church in Glenview, Illinois. The President of the Parish Council in Glenview, Illinois says they are waiting to see what happens in Wisconsin before taking any action there.

No charges have yet been filed, but the church's attorney says they are definitely coming.