Diocesan priest charged with theft, fraudulent practice

Aug. 21, 2024 Kossuth County Sheriff's Office Press Release:

In early 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Sioux City requested the Kossuth County Sheriff's Office open an investigation into allegations that funds had been misappropriated within the Bancroft and Algona Parishes. 

As a result of this investigation, the following charges were filed on Father Steven McLoud, age 65, currently from Ft. Dodge, Iowa. 

•    Theft in the 1st Degree, Class C Felony
•    Fraudulent Practices in the 1st Degree, Class C Felony

It is alleged that from August of 2017 through January of 2023, while serving as a priest in the Bancroft and Algona Parishes, Father Steven McLoud knowingly falsified receipts of utility bills, reimbursement of mileage expenses and other expense documents in the amount of nearly $70,000 dollars. 

McLoud has been ordered to appear for an initial appearance at the Kossuth County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on August 28th, 2024. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

"The Diocese of Sioux City has turned over this matter to the Kossuth County Attorney. Father Steven McLoud is assigned to limited ministry in Webster County, Iowa. Due to pending legal action, the diocese cannot comment further," from the Diocese of Sioux City Office of Communications.