A Roman Catholic priest charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a Connecticut parish told authorities he used the money for projects in Africa.
The Rev. Honore Kombo appeared in court Monday on a charge of first-degree larceny.
New Haven Register reports that police say Kombo told them the $27,000 missing from St. Augustine's parish in Seymour was used to provide loans in the Congo, his home country.
Police allege Kombo opened a line of credit under the church's name, with more than $31,000 in cash advances.
Kombo was removed as pastor in July and the Archdiocese of Hartford barred him from serving as a priest.
He refused comment when contacted by the station.
The case was continued to March 30.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
