TROY (AP) — The former manager of a Catholic church in Troy has been placed on probation for a year in a case that brought scandal to the prosperous parish.
Janice Verschuren kept her divorced husband on health insurance at St. Thomas More Church in Troy at a cost of $26,000. She was ordered to repay that amount Monday in addition to $5,500 to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The case began with felony charges of fraud and conspiracy involving her boss, the Rev. Ed Belczak, who embezzled more than $500,000. But Verschuren pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor involving insurance in a deal with prosecutors. She cooperated with investigators.
Belczak is serving a 27-month prison sentence. The priest used some stolen cash to buy a Florida condominium from Verschuren.
- Posted February 03, 2016
- Tweet This | Share on Facebook
Former manager of Catholic parish gets probation in scandal

headlines Oakland County
- Whitmer signs gun violence prevention legislation
- Department of Attorney General conducts statewide warrant sweep, arrests 9
- Adoptive families across Michigan recognized during Adoption Day and Month
- Reproductive Health Act signed into law
- Case study: Documentary highlights history of courts in the Eastern District
headlines National
- Oscar vs. Jeff: Trial lawyers and appellate counsel do different jobs, and it may show in their writing
- ‘Can a killer look like a granny?’ Prosecutor poses questions as mother-in-law of slain law prof goes on trial
- ILTACON 2025: The Wild, Wild West of legal tech
- After striking deal with Trump, this BigLaw firm worked with liberal groups to secure pro bono wins in 2 cases
- ‘Early decision conspiracy’ among top colleges is an antitrust violation, suit alleges
- Striking the Balance: How to make alternative fee arrangements work for everyone