Police investigate church financial irregularities

State police are conducting an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities at sister churches in Colon and Bronson.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo, an audit of finances at St. Barbara in Colon and St. Mary Assumption in Bronson was conducted at the request of the diocese.
Diocese officials said the audit yielded questionable financial practices and transactions over a six-year period starting in 2010.
As a result of the findings, Father Richard Fritz, 69, has submitted his letter of resignation, according to diocese officials. Fritz’s priestly faculties have also been suspended.
The diocese began its review following reports of irregularities that first came to light in the spring.
Fritz’s access to parish funds was restricted in June.