Former St. Leo staffer charged with alleged theft of more than $500K

The August discovery and subsequent investigation into possible financial improprieties in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, has resulted in charges filed against former parish staffer Joseph A. Manzi for allegedly stealing more than $500,000 of church funds.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced the charges in a press release Oct. 17, 2025. The release states that “Manzi, 78, of Atlantic Highlands, is charged by complaint with theft by unlawful taking (2nd degree) for allegedly using church funds for personal purchases.”

Attorney General Platkin states in the release: “As described in the complaint, this conduct was not to feed his family or for some kind of emergency, but to live a more lavish lifestyle.”

The full release is available HERE.

Concerns about possible financial improprieties were first announced in an advisory from St. Leo Parish and shared by the Diocese of Trenton Aug. 13, 2025.  According to that advisory, a preliminary investigation by the parish and diocesan officials confirmed a basis for the concerns, which were then reported to law enforcement authorities. St. Leo the Great Parish and the Diocese have committed full cooperation to law enforcement efforts.

The Attorney General’s release stipulates: “These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, according to the release.