A lawsuit has been filed by a member of a local congregation against his pastor.

In a lawsuit filed in Kosciusko Superior Court, Doyle Munson and other yet-to-be-named members of the congregation of the United Pentecostal Church of Warsaw are listed as plaintiffs against Pastor Dan Cox.

The suit alleges that Cox took money from a retirement account for a former pastor set up by the church as well as money from a special account to put new carpet in the church basement.

The suit further alleges that Cox quit-claimed the pastor's residence owned by the church to himself without permission from the church.

Munson is a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Warsaw and is "the only elected officer of the church, holding the office of trustee."

Cox was pastor of the church at the times the alleged actions occurred and continues to serve as the pastor of the church.

When Cox became the pastor of the church in December 1990, "the church had in its various financial accounts approximately $288,000. Approximately $70,000 of that money was being held in trust as a retirement account for the former pastor. Upon information and belief, this money no linger exists. The Congregants allege that this money was taken by Cox for his personal use," states the lawsuit.

"In November 2004, the church took a proof offering designed to fund the purchase of new carpet in the church basement. The amount of the offering was stated to be $5,000 and this sum was under the control of Cox. The church never received new carpet, nor has any other repair been made with this money. Upon information and belief, this money no longer exists. The Congregants allege that the money was taken by Cox for his personal use.

According to the lawsuit, "during Cox's tenure as pastor, the church received estimated monetary contributions in excess of $2.2 million. The Congregants allege that a portion of these funds were improperly taken by Cox for his personal use."

The suit also says that Cox allegedly quit-claimed the property at 2237 S. Old Ditch Road, Warsaw, to himself without permission. The property was owned by the church "for use by it's presiding pastor."

The plaintiffs request that the court find Cox liable for conversion and ask that "all appropriate damages" be awarded.