Reading priest admits to stealing nearly $500,000 from congregation

A Catholic priest has admitted to stealing nearly $500,000 from his congregation.

Richard Nachajski pleaded guilty in Berks County Court to theft and forgery charges.

Nachajski took more than $476,000 over a seven year period while he served as a priest at the Saint Anthony of Padua church in southwest Reading, authorities said.

Berks County detectives said they obtained documentation that detailed journeys Nachajski took to Mexico, Florida, St. Marteen and Thailand.

Nachajski, a priest at Saint Anthony's for 11 years, left the church on Summit Avenue in 2009. He will be sentenced in September.