Diocese says former St. Therese priest found stealing from collection

Update:

The Rapid City Police released a statement on Sunday saying they have completed an investigation and that Father Marcin Garbacz admitted to being responsible for the theft of the weekly collection at St. Therese church.

The case has been forwarded to the State's Attorney's Office and they are in the process of determining and filing criminal charges.

KOTA spoke with Father Michel Mulloy, who said the Diocese decided to read a letter at all churches on Sunday morning and Saturday evening to be transparent with parishioners and to put down any rumors, as there were questions from people.

Father Garbacz is currently in a treatment center. Father Mulloy said he was not sure on a time table for Father Garbacz's suspension.

Original Story:

The Diocese of Rapid City says a local priest was caught stealing from the collection at St. Therese Catholic Church.

Father Marcin Garbacz has been suspended and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation, according to a letter read that was written by Bishop Robert Gruss.

The Rapid City Police Department is handling the investigation.

Father Garbacz, a polish immigrant, was ordained in Rapid City and served as the School Chaplain at St. Thomas More for the past six years and also served in the Committee for Continuing Clergy Formation.

The letter will be read again during Sunday masses.