CENTREVILLE, MI (WTVB) – An embezzlement case against the former pastor of St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson and St. Barbara Mission in Colon has been dismissed by the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office about a month after it had been bound over to Circuit Court.
The July 12, 2017 dismissal in the case involving Reverend Richard Fritz was first reported by the Three Rivers Commercial-News and has been confirmed by officials for both the St. Joseph County Circuit Court and the county Prosecutor’s Office.
The case was dismissed “nolle prosequi” which is a Latin phrase meaning will no longer prosecute.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo issued a statement Wednesday which said, “The Diocese of Kalamazoo has learned that the charges against Rev. Richard Fritz have been dismissed. We are grateful for the legal resolution of this difficult situation”.
“Fr. Fritz remains a retired priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. He will not hold any position of administrative or financial responsibility. He will, however, be able to assist in celebrating the Mass and Sacraments as needed. We continue to ask for prayers for healing for all involved.”
It’s still not clear why the case was dropped. A message has been left with St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough as to why the case was no longer being pursued.
Fritz was accused by authorities of stealing money from the two churches to buy lottery tickets. He resigned as pastor at St. Mary’s during the investigation in October 2016.
