Connecticut's 'best pastor' charged with stealing $170,000 from elderly churchgoer

A Baptist pastor in Connecticut was arrested this week after being accused of stealing more than $170,000 from an elderly woman who was a member of his church.

According to Attorney Joseph Mager, who is currently serving as conservator for the victim, a probate judge first noticed inconsistencies in the woman's bank account while 67-year-old Stratford Baptist Church Pastor Robert Genevicz was the acting conservator in 2013.

After more than $170,000 went missing from the account, police launched an investigation. Genevicz turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday.

A judge had previously ordered Genevicz to pay the woman $170,000 within 30 days. Mager filed a lawsuit when the pastor failed to come up with the money.

"It's just awful for this poor woman," Mager explained. "Right now, she's in an assisted living facility and her money is dwindling very quickly."

WVIT spoke to members of the church who were standing behind Genevicz.

"A hundred percent," one parishioner said. "He's the best pastor this town and state has ever had."

Genevicz was released on $50,000 bond on Wednesday. Police were investigating the possibility that he also took advantage of other members of the church.

Watch the video below from WVIT, broadcast March 20, 2014,