The pastor of a New York City church stole from the collection plates because the congregation doesn’t pay him enough, according reports.
Rock Church’s Daniel Iampaglia allegedly pocketed offering money nine times over a one-month period. Church members used secret video surveillance to record Iampaglia’s theft.
“They don’t pay me enough,” Iampaglia said in court this week.
The New York Post reports the church pays Iampaglia $600 a week and provides lodging and utilities through a church townhouse.
Iampaglia’s attorney Joseph Indusi says the pastor did take the money—but not for personal gain.
“He took money to buy light bulbs and Sunday school supplies for the congregation,” Indusi says. “It’s not like he’s out buying Cadillacs and his wife fur coats.”
Iampaglia was arrested in November 2015 on charges of petit larceny, but the pastor continues to lead services. Board members tell NBC New York Iampaglia refuses to resign.
