Internal investigations have uncovered further cases of embezzlement that began as early as 2001, a diocese spokeswoman told the Catholic News Agency (CNA) on Tuesday.
So far, only cases have been known from 2013.
The newspaper "Trierischer Volksfreund" had first reported on the new findings.
The spokeswoman did not provide any information on the new amount of damage. According to the newspaper's report, the total amount of damage could now be more than 200,000 euros.
A new preliminary investigation into church law is ongoing against the man, it said. The new findings were also passed on to the public prosecutor’s office.
However, the cases are likely to be subject to criminal lapse. If embezzled, the statute of limitations is usually five years, in severe cases up to ten years.
Suspension and Confession
The priest has been suspended from his priestly duties since the end of 2023 and works in the administrative field of the church. He made a comprehensive confession and committed to repaying the embezzled funds.
He had been sentenced to a 21-month suspended sentence at the end of 2024. The verdict at the time referred to the embezzlement of 130,000 euros.
He had diverted the church funds to his own accounts. In the process, the pastor had testified to having used the money for luxury goods, travel and an expensive car. He wanted to treat himself to something after health problems.
The priest admitted his wrongdoing and apologized for it.