Father Lawrence Kozak, a Catholic priest from Pennsylvania, was exposed for embezzling $40,000 in parish funds to support a secret addiction to video games like Super Mario Kart and Candy Crush. Kozak claimed the theft was driven by emotional stress from the pandemic, the loss of his father, and chronic pain following a partial leg amputation. The scandal has shocked his congregation and raised serious questions about oversight within the church.
Gaming Priest Steals Church Funds
Father Lawrence Kozak, a Catholic priest from St. Thomas More Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to stealing $40,000 from his parish to fund his addiction to online games. The disgraced cleric used the church’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases for video games like Super Mario Kart and Candy Crush, as well as gifts for his niece.
The parish priest’s theft was only discovered in 2022 when an accountant reviewing the church’s finances found suspicious transactions. Initially denying any wrongdoing, Kozak eventually admitted to misusing parish funds for his personal entertainment and family gifts.
Priest Blames Personal Struggles
Kozak attributed his misconduct to mounting personal difficulties, including stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, grief over his father’s death, and chronic pain from a partial leg amputation following a 2016 car crash. These compounding hardships apparently led the priest to seek escape through video games, which evolved into an addiction that he funded with stolen church money.
The Rev. Lawrence Kozak was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to theft by receiving stolen property. Kozak used parish funds to "power up" in games including Candy Crush and Mario Kart. https://t.co/UFrDjWTi8q
— Vinny Vella (@Vellastrations) April 28, 2025
Archbishop Nelson Perez placed Kozak on administrative leave in November 2022 after the financial improprieties came to light. A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia confirmed: “Father Kozak was placed on administrative leave by Archbishop Pérez in November of 2022. He has not resided at Saint Thomas More Parish and has not had an assignment in ministry since that time.”
Light Punishment Raises Questions
Despite the substantial theft, Kozak received what many consider a lenient sentence of just 80 hours of community service and orders to write an apology letter to his former congregation. The priest has been ordered to repay the stolen funds and is permanently barred from handling financial responsibilities within the church.
“I allowed my playing of games to get away from me, and due to lack of attentiveness failed in my responsibility to be vigilant over the administrative part of my responsibilities. I am deeply sorry for the pain and difficulty that was caused to the parishioners of St Thomas More. No matter what, I should have been more attentive, and in that sense I truly failed.”
Reverend Lawrence Kozak from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, has been charged with stealing over $40,000 from St. Thomas More church. The funds were allegedly used for mobile gaming, particularly in-app purchases for games like Candy Crush and Mario Kart Tour. pic.twitter.com/ppH5QxN2zc
— Moti😇 (@timovibes) May 1, 2024
Catholic advocacy group Catholics4Change has criticized the weak punishment and questioned the archdiocese’s decision to promote Kozak to pastor in 2020. The case highlights ongoing concerns about financial accountability within religious institutions and the need for greater oversight of church finances across America.
Sources:
Catholic priest embroiled in bizarre Super Mario Kart scandal – NewsBreak