Priest Accused of Stealing $50,000 From Senior Citizen

Father Nicholas King of Brevard County, Florida is accused of larceny under false pretenses and scheme to defraud under false pretenses.

A Florida Catholic priest has been accused of scamming a senior citizen out of $50,000 or more. 

Reverend Nicholas King, 73, of Brevard County was arrested Friday and charged with scheming to defraud under false pretenses and larceny in an amount over $50,000 from a victim over 65 years of age.

The pastor at St. Mary's Catholic Community in Rockledge, Florida faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of either count.

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According to the diocese’s website, King came to the diocese in 1968 and is a native of Ireland. 

It was not imediately clear Sunday morning if the alleged victim is a member of King's congregation.

The Orlando Catholic Dicocese responded to the allegations against King in a statement sent to WKMG.

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"We have been informed that Father Nicholas King, former pastor of St. Mary, Rockledge, is the subject of an investigation by the Rockledge Police Department. He is removed from ministry while the investigation is ongoing.

"The Diocese is cooperating with the investigation. We are saddened by the news of his arrest and ask that people of good will pray for Father King during this difficult time and for all those involved in this investigation. May the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours."

Records show that King was released on an $87,000 bond early Saturday morning.

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