Man accused of stealing $400k from Key Biscayne Episcopal church

A South Florida man is behind bars after authorities said he stole over $400,000 from an Episcopal church in Key Biscayne.

Francisco Gomez, 29, appeared in criminal court Friday to face charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud, accused of taking money from St. Christopher’s-By-the-Sea.

Gomez had authorized administrative access to the church’s bank accounts and made electronic transfers to his own personal account over the course of nine months, police said.

According to investigators, more than $400,000 were transferred from the church’s accounts without authorization from church leaders.

Court documents list Gomez as having worked as a financial consultant for a company in Coral Gables.

The judge gave Gomez a $20,000 bond and wanted to make sure the posted bond money isn’t part of the funds Gomez allegedly stole. He was also ordered to stay away from the church.

Gomez’s attorney told the judge he is a South Florida native with no prior criminal history.