Facing a Class G felony for theft, Father James Dokos is a "no show" in court...again



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A priest who once served in Milwaukee -- at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, accused of improperly spending funds from a trust account, was a "no show" in court on Monday, July 14th...again. James Dokos faces a Class G felony charge of theft (embezzlement), value exceeding $10,000. Dokos missed last Thursday's court date as well...so what was the reason this time?

In court on Monday, James Dokos' attorney again stood before the court commissioner to announce that his client wouldn't be showing up for court.

Dokos' attorney said Dokos has been admitted to the hospital.

On Thursday, Dokos' attorney said Dokos wouldn't be showing up for court because he was in Illinois -- experiencing car trouble.

Dokos is accused of tapping into an Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church trust fund -- to the tune of about $100,000.

Dokos' former secretary Stephanie Rauch was in court Monday to support Dokos. She admits he had expensive taste.

"He liked his Rolex. He liked his Cartier. He liked his Gucci shoes. He liked his Prada belt.  You know, high-end stuff," Rauch said.

The court commissioner's frustration was simply getting Dokos to court. They'll try again this Friday, July 18th -- if Dokos is released from the hospital.

"I don't want to hear that he's been released and he's on home care now. No, I want him here or a warrant is going to be issued," the court commissioner said Monday.

Dokos was transferred to a church in Glenview, Illinois from Milwaukee in 2012.

Rauch says she believes the theft charge will haunt Dokos.

"I don't think anyone will trust him at any other parish. He's got that mark against him now.  It's too bad. He was a good priest. He was a good priest. He helped people," Rauch said.

It is unclear why Dokos was admitted to the hospital. His attorney said he could not disclose that information.

If convicted in the case against him, Dokos faces a maximum prison term of 10 years.

Related stories: