Finance
Missouri Man Faces Charges for Siphoning Church Funds
2025-04-15

A resident of Mehlville, Missouri, has been formally accused of misappropriating a significant amount of money from a local church where he served as a volunteer. Patrick J. Steinway, aged 41, allegedly diverted funds over an extended period. The investigation began when irregularities were noticed during routine audits conducted by his employer, the Bank of Hillsboro. Authorities have charged Steinway with theft exceeding $25,000, and he remains incarcerated under a cash-only bond.

Patrick J. Steinway, who worked at the Bank of Hillsboro, dedicated his free time to volunteering at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church. His responsibilities included overseeing the church's athletic programs and managing associated fees. During routine audits of not-for-profit accounts, including those of the church, discrepancies emerged. This prompted bank officials to alert law enforcement. Upon further inspection, it was revealed that Steinway had established two additional church accounts along with a personal account. He allegedly transferred substantial sums from the church accounts into his own.

The investigation deepened as church authorities granted investigators access to their financial records. These records confirmed that no authorization had been given for the creation of these extra accounts. Moreover, they uncovered evidence indicating that church funds had indeed gone missing. Law enforcement concluded that Steinway had embezzled over $25,000 from the church coffers.

As legal proceedings progress, Steinway faces serious charges related to the embezzlement. The prosecuting attorney’s office has officially charged him with theft involving amounts greater than $25,000. Currently held on a cash-only bond set at $25,000, Steinway awaits further developments in his case. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance in financial oversight, especially within charitable organizations.

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