On unpaid leave: Greek Orthodox priest who used to serve in Milwaukee could soon face criminal charges

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Greek Orthodox priest, who used to serve in Milwaukee, accused of improperly spending more than $110,000 from a private trust has been placed on unpaid administrative leave and has been suspended from his duties as parish priest at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Glenview, Illinois.

This, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Rev. James Dokos was a longtime pastor at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee -- before he was transferred to the church in Glenview in 2012.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office told the Chicago Tribune it intends to charge Dokos with Class G felony theft -- for allegedly misappropriating money exceeding $10,000. This has been confirmed with the D.A.'s Office by FOX6 News.

According to the Chicago Tribune, allegations against Dokos have led to tension at both the church in Milwaukee and the church in Illinois over the past year.

The Tribune says upon learning of a criminal investigation into Dokos' handling of the trust fund, members of the Glenview, Illinois church tried to have him temporarily removed until the investigation concluded -- but the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago refused -- instead removing him from his position as council president.

Additionally, the Tribune reports a number two ranking official with the Greek Orthodox Metropolis in Chicago sent a letter to the church in Milwaukee -- stating the Metropolis' investigation into Dokos' handling of the trust determined the funds were spent properly.

The Tribune reports most of Dokos' spending occurred between 2008 and 2012, after Dokos signed over the bulk of the trust fund to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee.

The Tribune says the trust called for Dokos to receive $5,000 and a vehicle and property, and for $20,000 to be given to charity.

The rest was to go to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee -- to be used for the construction and maintenance of a cultural center.

Instead, there are allegations that a great deal of the money went from the trust fund to Dokos.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from the Chicago Tribune.