BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) The American Baptist Churches of Connecticut has defrocked a Stratford minister who is accused of larceny.

Rev. Dr. Judy Albeen, the executive minister of the organization, tells The Connecticut Post it has removed the ordination of Robert Genevicz and no longer recognizes him as a minister.

Genevicz has led the Stratford Baptist church for 16 years. That church said Tuesday it stands behind a previous statement that it fully supports Genevicz and desires that he remains pastor of the church.

The 67-year-old is charged with first-degree larceny in the theft of more than $173,000 from a 71-year old member of the church.

He also is being sued by a Trumbull woman who claims he defrauded her 88-year-old mother out of about $200,000.