OTTAWA - An Ottawa priest who previously admitted to gambling problems has been charged after an investigation found more than $240,000 in cheques were misappropriated.

Joseph LeClair, 55, was charged with one count each of fraud of $5,000 and theft over $5,000.

A complaint was filed by the Ottawa Archdiocese in August in relation to concerns about the financial administration at Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Police investigations uncovered more than $240,000 in the form of cheques from the parish were misappropriated. Further, more than $160,000 in cash was missing.

The investigation covered a review period from Jan. 2006 to May 2011.

Police investigations also found about $20,000 in furniture and household items belonging to the parish were taken when LeClair left.

Police say fraud investigators recovered a portion of those items in a home outside of Ontario.

QMI Agency reported that in April, 2011, LeClair admitted to his congregation he was struggling with depression and had lost control of a gambling problem.

However, LeClair said his addiction was supported with his own money -- not church funds.

This past March, QMI learned the church had hired accountants to keep a watchful eye over funds and would require two signatures on church cheques.

LeClair is scheduled to appear in court July 25.