Statement regarding the indictment of Fr Edward Belczak and Janice Verschuren

In January 2013, the Detroit Archdiocese announced that it had turned over its internal audit findings from St. Thomas More Parish in Troy to civil authorities because of possible financial discrepancies involving the pastor and office assistant. The federal criminal charges filed today would indicate the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit now believes there is a case to be prosecuted against Fr. Edward Belczak and Janice Verschuren. Both individuals have not served at the parish in over a year.

The archdiocese will continue to cooperate with authorities as this matter moves through the courts. As such, there is nothing more the archdiocese can or will say at this time.

• News Release from January 22, 2013: Regarding Fr. Belczak, St. Thomas More Parish