Priest pleads guilty to stealing $155k from Pa. church

A priest pleaded guilty earlier this week to stealing $155,000 from a Washington County church.

According to a press release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, George Athanasiou, 37, stole hundreds of donation checks for All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg and signed and deposited them for his personal use.

Athanasiou used the money to fund his gambling addiction, KDKA reported .

Video evidence showed Athanasiou endorsing and depositing checks at an ATM, officials said. When interviewed by police, he admitted to stealing the checks.

"Stealing money is theft, plain and simple, whether it is committed by a petty criminal or a trusted faith leader, which was the case here — this priest betrayed parishioners by stealing donations that otherwise would have benefited the church," Attorney General Henry said in the press release. "This plea to a felony charge holds the defendant accountable for his conduct, while also providing a significant restitution payment that will go to the church community."

Athanasiou has paid $155,000 in restitution. He will be sentenced on Feb. 18. He faces up to seven years in prison.