Priest Spent $1.3 Mil on Escorts, Clothes

A former Catholic priest in Connecticut turned himself in to police Tuesday morning after having been accused of embezzling $1.3 million from the Sacred Heart Church of Waterbury since 2003.

Kevin Gray, 64, went to police after learning that there was a warrant out for his arrest, according to WFSB News. Gray is alleged to have spent the money on hotels, restaurants, clothing, male escorts, and other personal expenses.

Gray was put on medical leave from his priestly duties April 15 after seven years with Sacred Heart; he had served various Waterbury churches for a total of 26 years. However, he was suspended completely in June by the archdiocese of Hartford, which said he could no longer function as a priest in Connecticut or anywhere in the country.

Archdiocesan officials said Gray's spending was uncovered during a review of parish accounts. The Reverend John Gatzak told United Press International that Sacred Heart Church did not have a parish financial council, nor did Gray submit annual financial reports to the diocese, which prompted the investigation.