St. Tammany Priest Arrested, Accused of Stealing $21,000 From Abita Springs Church

ABITA SPRINGS, La. — A St. Tammany Parish priest was arrested Monday morning, November 9, following an investigation into allegations that he diverted approximately $21,000 in church funds into his personal bank account over a period of more than two and a half years.

The Rev. Daniel Chinedu Okafor, 44, was taken into custody at his Abita Springs residence by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO).

Okafor faces three felony charges:

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• Theft of $5,000 or more but less than $25,000
• Computer Fraud
• Monetary Instrument Abuse

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in August after personnel with the Archdiocese of New Orleans contacted detectives to report financial discrepancies involving St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs.

Detectives assigned to the STPSO Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation into the church’s finances.

An audit reportedly revealed that Okafor had deposited more than 30 checks made payable to the church into his personal bank account, allegedly using the money to cover personal expenses.

Through their investigation, and with the cooperation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, detectives determined that approximately $21,000 in church funds had allegedly been diverted for Okafor’s personal use over more than two and a half years.

Sheriff Bret Ibert addressed the allegations and emphasized the responsibility that comes with holding a position of trust, particularly within a religious institution.

“When someone is placed in a position of trust, especially within a church, there is an expectation that they will act with honesty and integrity,” Ibert said.

“Allegations of this nature are taken very seriously. We appreciate the cooperation of the archdiocese throughout this investigation. From the beginning, they have taken these allegations seriously and worked closely with our detectives to ensure the matter was thoroughly investigated.”

Authorities emphasized that the investigation is strictly financial and does not involve any allegations concerning minors.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Investigators are also asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of financial misconduct involving Okafor to contact Detective Sgt. Brad Guarino with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-276-1321.

Okafor was expected to be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the three felony charges.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Okafor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Source: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, November 9, 2026.

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