Connecticut Church Administrator Charged With Embezzling Over $255,000

Diane Devlin, a 42-year-old former financial administrator for the Southern Connecticut Church of Christ, has been charged with first-degree larceny. Authorities allege that Devlin misappropriated $255,054.41 from the congregation between 2021 and 2025. The investigation began in June 2025 after church leadership identified discrepancies in bank accounts and contacted law enforcement.

According to the arrest warrant, Devlin initially attributed the missing funds to accounting software errors. However, she later provided a written statement to church leaders admitting to falsifying documents and using church funds for personal expenses, including credit card bills and retail purchases. She also allegedly transferred money to an entity where she served as a principal. Devlin surrendered to Fairfield police in October and is scheduled to appear in court on November 20.

This case highlights a broader issue within religious organizations. Research from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has previously estimated that embezzlement costs Christian ministries globally tens of billions of dollars annually.