Venice church administrator arrested for grand theft - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Venice church administrator arrested for grand theft

Posted: Updated:
SARASOTA COUNTY, FL -

A former Venice church administrator is accused of embezzling more than $50,000 from funds intended to help needy parishioners.

Sarasota County deputies arrested Robert Kondratick of Venice today. Until January, he was the administrator of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church on Shamrock Boulevard. In January, church council officials discovered funds had been misused over a period of six months. Kondratick was fired.

Witnesses told investigators that Kondratick requested signed blank checks to pay what he said were church expenses. However, it was discovered that he cashed 28 checks made out to "cash", or to himself, totaling $53,950.

Kondratick turned himself in today to face one felony count of grand theft.

It's not the first time Kondratick has been connected with financial misconduct. In 2007, the Orthodox Church of America relieved him of his duties as priest after an investigation into financial misconduct in Syosset, New York. Criminal charges were not pursued in that case.

  • 8 On Your Side

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:04 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:04:59 GMT
    Big health insurance companies are predicting premium increases in 2014  for small employers and people who buy coverage on their own.
    Big health insurance companies are predicting premium increases in 2014  for small employers and people who buy coverage on their own.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
    The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
    Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
    Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
    The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
    The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:22:30 GMT
    The University of South Florida is now being credited with starting a revolution in health care.
    The University of South Florida is now being credited with starting a revolution in health care.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
    The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
    The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:23 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:23:35 GMT
    Approximately 40 animals were found in what appeared to be an abandoned home on Hiawatha Place in Holiday on Wednesday night according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
    Approximately 40 animals were found in what appeared to be an abandoned home on Hiawatha Place in Holiday on Wednesday night according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Powered by WorldNow

200 South Parker Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Telephone: 813.228.8888
Fax: 813.225.2770
Email: news@wfla.com

Can’t find something?
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General Company.