TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Joseph A. Manzi, a former officer at the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Lincroft, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking. The charge comes after allegations that Manzi embezzled over $500,000 from the church.
Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, is accused of using church funds for personal purchases. Attorney General Platkin stated that the defendant is alleged to have “used his position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.”
The complaint details that Manzi’s actions were not for basic needs but for a “more lavish lifestyle.” Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa L. Hilton, emphasized that church members who donated funds expected their contributions to be used appropriately.
Manzi served as the director of finance, operations, and development at St. Leo until his employment ended on approximately June 26. The review of the church’s credit card statements revealed unauthorized charges linked to Manzi.
Investigators discovered that he allegedly utilized the church’s credit accounts for more than $300,000 in unauthorized purchases. Additionally, he is accused of diverting over $200,000 in cash from the church for personal use between January 2019 and May 2025.
Items purchased with the stolen funds reportedly include luxury clothing, vehicle repairs, and tickets to sports events. Manzi allegedly maintained sole control of the church’s credit cards, which were in his name.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Conner Ouellette. Charges of this nature are serious, with second-degree theft carrying a potential sentence of five to ten years in state prison.
