Graz State Prosecutor Expands Investigation into Military Chaplain to Include Fraud
A 60-year-old military chaplain is under multiple suspicion in Graz – now serious fraud and abuse of office are being added in further cases.
New Charges Against Military Chaplain: Fraud and Abuse of Office in Additional Cases
The Graz state prosecutor's office has significantly expanded its investigation into a 60-year-old military chaplain. According to the Kleine Zeitung, the man is now also being investigated for serious fraud as well as abuse of official authority and his service position in additional cases – in addition to proceedings already under way.
The authorities have been investigating the military clergyman for several months. The original accusation: he is alleged to have stalked a young female soldier and sexually harassed her, in each case exploiting his official position. State prosecutor's spokesman Christian Kroschl confirmed in March that there was suspicion of persistent stalking, sexual harassment, and abuse of official and service position – also under military criminal law.
The daily newspaper Kurier first reported on the new charges. Kroschl confirmed to the Kleine Zeitung that investigation is now proceeding in these additional cases. However, he was unwilling or unable to comment on details. The Austrian Armed Forces are also keeping quiet: spokesman Michael Bauer stated that the ongoing proceedings could not be commented on.
Two earlier investigation proceedings against the man – for abuse of official authority and breach of confidentiality obligations – have since been discontinued.
The chaplain is currently relieved of his service duties. A disciplinary procedure by the Austrian Armed Forces is to be initiated once the criminal investigation is concluded. Upon conviction to a suspended sentence of one year, loss of office would occur automatically.
Source: Kleine Zeitung