Members of Stratford Baptist Church released a joint statement on March 21 in support of their pastor, Robert Genevicz, who was charged by Stratford police on March 18 for alleged involvement in the theft of over $170,000 from a parishioner.
“The Church supports fully Pastor Genevicz in these matters and desires that he remain pastor of the Church,” according to the statement.
An office worker at the church named Debbie told The Star that the church has about 200 members, and there were about 120 members at a meeting on March 19 where the statement of support was written. Agreement with the statement among attendees was “unanimous,” Debbie said.
Genevicz, 67, of Stratford, was charged with first-degree larceny for the alleged theft.
According to Police Lt. Frank Eannotti an investigation revealed that Genevicz may have had an accomplice, whose identity has not been revealed by police, and “$50,000-plus was the confirmed profit (Genevicz) made, according to Eannotti.
The arrest occurred after detectives followed up on tips from at least one parishioner and issued a warrant for Genevicz’s arrest. The investigation began in May 2013.
Stratford Baptist Church is on Huntington Road across from Paradise Green.