PORTAGE, Ind. -- The minister of a Northwest Indiana church whose son was killed in Iraq is now charged with spending more than $250,000 that was meant for her granddaughter.

Police said that one month after Spc. Roy Buckley died in Iraq, his mother, Janie Lee Espinoza, became guardian of $250,406 for his child, then 6, until she turned 18.

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Espinoza, 56, is accused by police and the girl’s attorney of spending the money on cars, jewelry, a time share in Florida, church pews and a baby grand piano.

The pews and the piano apparently were given to The Church of Jesus Christ in New Chicago, where Espinoza is the pastor.

Authorities have issued a warrant for Espinoza's arrest.

NBC5's Jennifer Mitchell reported that Buckley was killed in Iraq three years ago. His funeral was a touching tribute to a fallen soldier.

This week, his mother was seen on the front of the local paper, charged with eight counts of felony theft for allegedly stealing money meant for Buckley's little girl.

"We believe the money was intended for his daughter and she did not get any of it and was not even aware that the money existed," said Porter County prosecutor Brian Gensel.

Authorities said that Espinoza was listed only as a custodian of the funds.

"This one's going to upset some people," said Capt. Terry Swickard, of the Portage Police Department.

George Brasovan, who represents Buckley's daughter and her mother, called the death and alleged theft a "compounded tragedy."

"The child lost her father. Then the grandmother, in our opinion, just basically stole the money," Brasovan said.

The grandmother's attorney said this is all a misunderstanding. It was unclear to his client just who the beneficiary was, Mitchell said.

"Under the eyes of the law, I don't know whether it was intended for the child or whether it was intended for her, as caretaker. That doesn't give rise to a criminal cause of action," said attorney Garry Weiss.

The prosecutor claims, however, that the account was clear as to who was to take care of money and who was to get the money.

"Certainly, the child needs the money," Brasovan said. "It's a setup for college. It's a setup for her future. She's a 10-year-old girl."

Police said that Buckley wanted to make sure his daughter was taken care of monetarily, but all of his planning made no difference.

Espinoza faces two to eight years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Mitchell said there is also a civil case pending against her.

Her bond was expected to be set at $25,000.

Additional information provided by Chicago Sun-Times Inc.