ALGONA — A Roman Catholic priest has been charged with stealing nearly $70,000 from two churches, according to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office.

The Rev. Steven McLoud, 65, of Fort Dodge, has been charged with first degree theft and first degree fraudulent practices, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

Deputies reported that between August 2017 and January 2023, McLoud “knowingly falsified receipts of utility bills, reimbursement of mileage expenses and other expense documents.”

An investigation began early this year when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City reported the possibility of funds being misappropriated at churches in Algona and Bancroft. A statement issued Wednesday by the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t name the churches. The Catholic churches in those communities are Divine Mercy Parish — St. Cecelia (Algona) and Divine Mercy Parish — St John the Baptist (Bancroft).

McLoud is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Kossuth County District Court Aug. 28.