ABITA SPRINGS — A St. Tammany Parish priest was arrested following an investigation into the alleged theft of funds from a church parish.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, 44-year-old Rev. Daniel Okafor was arrested on Friday morning at his Abita Springs residence.

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Financial Crimes Unit originally launched an investigation after personnel with the Archdiocese of New Orleans contacted the sheriff's office in August to report discrepancies regarding finances at St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs. 

An audit of the parish's finances later revealed that Okafor allegedly deposited more than 30 checks made to the church into his personal bank account before using the funds for personal expenses. 

Okafor allegedly stole $21,000 in church funds over the course of two and a half years, according to the sheriff's office. 

Okafor was charged with theft, computer fraud and monetary instrument abuse.

The investigation remains ongoing.