Priest accused of stealing money from Johnson County church appears in court
The former pastor of a Johnson County Catholic church made his first court appearance Thursday on charges of stealing church money.
The Rev. Joseph Cramer was pastor of Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner when he allegedly embezzled more than $40,000.
Cramer, 68, resigned as pastor after the allegations came to light.
He was charged earlier this month in Johnson County District Court with felony theft and was released from custody after posting bond..
During Thursday's first court appearance, Cramer requested a public defender.
He is scheduled back in court on May 24.
This story was originally published May 17, 2018 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Priest accused of stealing money from Johnson County church appears in court."