CORSICANA, TEXAS — A Navarro County grand jury has indicted Rev. Canon Edward Monk SSC, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Corsicana, on three felony counts related to theft and fraud. On December 19, 2024, the grand jury handed down charges of theft over $300,000, third-degree fraud, and credit card abuse, as reported by the NavCo Chronicle.
“This investigation has been extensive, and although the suspect has been indicted, we are still in the process of gathering additional evidence through a joint effort led by the Corsicana Police Department, the Navarro County District Attorney’s office, and the Texas Office of the Attorney General,” Corsicana Police Chief Robert Johnson stated in a public release.
In November 2024, Canon Monk was also charged with six counts of fraud and mismanagement under Title IV of the Episcopal Church’s disciplinary canons. The Diocese of Dallas filed a formal complaint on November 11, accusing Monk of failing to protect the church’s property and funds, committing criminal acts, and engaging in dishonest, fraudulent, and deceitful conduct.
Following these allegations, Canon Monk was placed on administrative leave by the Diocese of Dallas on August 5, 2024, and subsequently resigned from his roles as chairman of the board of trustees of Nashota House and as vice-chairman of the county board of appraisers.
Canon Monk has denied the accusations in the Title IV proceedings, issuing a statement of denial last month. On December 21, 2024, he was arrested on criminal charges.
The case is ongoing, with authorities continuing their investigation into the alleged offenses.
