Sanibel priest investigated for exploiting elderly parishioner

Published: Updated:
courtesy of http://www.captivasanibel.com/

SANIBEL, Fla. — The priest from a Sanibel church was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly stealing money from an elderly church member suffering from dementia, according to the Diocese of Venice.

The criminal investigation focused on Father Christopher Senk of St. Isabel Parish on Sanibel-Captiva Road.

Officials believed Father Senk took advantage of his position to financially exploit the victim, even though the victim’s family members, who were also appointed guardians, told him to stop.

Father Senk has denied these allegations.

The case was eventually forwarded to The Florida State Attorney’s Office and have decided not to prosecute Father Senk at this time, the diocese confirmed.

The Diocese of Venice placed Father Senk on paid administrative leave while the allegations are being reviewed.

St. Isabel parishioners have been notified at the start of Saturday’s mass at 5:00 p.m.

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