⏱ 2 min read
A former Hellenic Orthodox priest, Christos Christakis, 57, of Cincinnati, OH, is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (HOCA) in Buffalo, NY. Christakis allegedly inserted a provision into the church’s by-laws in 2011, giving him complete control over the Priest Discretionary Fund. The fund, meant for small direct assistance payments, was overseen by the parish council and had limits on the amount of money it could hold. However, between 2018 and 2025, Christakis used the fund for his personal benefit, prompting a whistle-blower complaint in March 2025.
Investigations revealed that approximately 725 checks were deposited into the fund, with only 11 specifically designated for donation. At least one $7,000 check was written from the fund to pay Christakis’s personal American Express bill. Analysis of Christakis’s personal bank account and his children’s accounts found approximately $338,660 of cash deposited into the joint account.
Christakis was charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The investigation was conducted by the US Attorney’s office, with assistance from other agencies.
The case highlights the importance of financial oversight and accountability, particularly in institutions of trust such as churches. The allegations against Christakis, if proven, demonstrate a blatant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a priest.
Related Federal Cases
- Christopher Ferguson, Securities Fraud, New York 2020 · Ohio
- Todd Faustin, Workers’ Compensation Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · Ohio
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Loan Fraud, New York 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Loan Fraud, New York 2020 · Ohio
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, New York 2025 · Washington
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: New York
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News