Priest ‘Father Martin’ visited 7 churches across 3 states before vanishing - then thousands of dollars disappeared too
Michael Hansen
Published Oct 02, 2026
A MAN impersonating a priest has visited several churches across the country and allegedly stole thousands of dollars.
The fake priest, who is calling himself Father Martin, was reportedly seen in Texas, California, and Oregon.
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He is accused of stealing $500 from a church in Houston after visiting on October 27.
Cops said that the man stole money from the wallet of a priest before fleeing the scene.
Just days before the alleged theft, the fake priest visited six parishes across Dallas, according to the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.
Katy Kiser, the communications director for the diocese, revealed the visits were not planned and said he didn’t have a letter that explained who he was, per The New York Times.
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She told The Dallas Morning News in an email: “He was seen going into an upstairs area of one facility that was not for public access but the doors were all locked."
Kiser explained that workers at the parish had suspicions.
The diocese reported the man to cops but revealed nothing was stolen.
Kiser said the doors on the second floor of a parish were locked, meaning he couldn’t get his hands on money or any other belongings.
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A memo from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, seen by The U.S. Sun, has alleged that the priest impersonator researched churches beforehand so he became familiar with the names of staffers.
It comes months after The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops alleged that the man was likely responsible for swindling more than $1,700 from an Oregon parish.
Italo Dell’Oro, the auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, urged anyone who sees the fake priest to report him to cops, per Catholic Vote.
Dallas cops have revealed that it isn’t a crime to impersonate a priest in Texas.
The priest impersonator has also reportedly visited churches in Cincinnati and California.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the Houston Police Department for comment.
