Cops investigate theft report
State's Episcopal Diocese filed a complaint in Colorado Springs
By Electa Draper Denver Post Staff Writer
08/11/2007

Colorado Springs police said Friday that they have been investigating theft and fraud at the Grace Church and St. Stephen's Parish since the Denver-based Episcopal Diocese of Colorado filed a complaint July 16.

The Rev. Don Armstrong, pastor of Grace Church and St. Stephen's Parish, is a "person of interest" in the case, said Colorado Springs police spokesman Skip Arms. Arms said he could not discuss the investigation, except he anticipates it will take several weeks.

Episcopal Diocese spokeswoman Beckett Stokes said Friday she had no knowledge of the criminal complaint.

Episcopal Ecclesiastical Court made a preliminary ruling Aug. 2 that Armstrong is guilty of theft, tax fraud, misusing funds and improperly borrowing money. The court found that Armstrong took $392,000 in church funds without authorization of church lay leaders between 1999 and 2006. the rest