Parishioners at St. Mary's Parish in Rockledge reacting over the weekend to Friday's arrest of their priest, Father Nicholas King.
"Surprise, just I'm surprised," said a parishioner who will only go by the name Robert, talking to WFTV Channel 9 Eyewitness News. "I was baptised by Father King," said Robert.
Father Nicholas King has been charged with larceny and fraud, accused of stealing $50,000 form a senior citizen.
Carol Brinati, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, emailed WFTV Channel 9 the following statement Saturday:
"We have been informed that Father Nicholas King, former pastor of St. Mary, Rockledge, is the subject of an investigation by the Rockledge Police Department. He is removed from ministry while the investigation is ongoing. The Diocese is cooperating with the investigation. We are saddened by the news of his arrest and ask that people of good will pray for Father King during this difficult time and for all those involved in this investigation. May the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours."
The diocese's website said King, who's originally from Ireland, was ordained 50 years ago in St. Augustine. He's lived in Central Florida since 1968.
King was released from jail Saturday after posting a combined $87,000 bail.
WFTV contributed to this story