ALGONA — A Catholic priest accused of stealing nearly $70,000 from two churches in Kossuth County faces a September court date.

The Rev. Steven J. McLoud, 65, of Fort Dodge, has been charged with first degree theft and first degree fraudulent practice, according to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office and court records.

In criminal complaints filed against him, sheriff’s deputies accuse McLoud of stealing $69,781.82 between Aug. 1, 2017, and Jan. 1, 2023.

They reported that $39,821.94 was taken from Divine Mercy Parish — St. Cecilia in Algona.

McLoud is also accused of taking $29,957.88 from Divine Mercy Parish — St. John the Baptist in Bancroft.

In the criminal complaints, deputies wrote that McLoud altered bills, misrepresented himself, falsified mileage reports and mislabeled items that were not eligible for reimbursement.

The investigation began early this year when officials from the Diocese of Sioux City contacted the Sheriff’s Office about possible misappropriation of money.

District Associate Judge Ann M. Gales imposed a $10,000 signature bond and ordered McLoud to report to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office before Sept. 5 to be fingerprinted and photographed.

She also scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 12.

McLoud is represented by attorney Frank Cosgrove, of North Sioux City, South Dakota.