Former deacon gets 6 years for stealing $317,000 from church

[1holycatholic]

Former deacon gets 6 years for stealing $317,000 from church
A former deacon and business manager who admitted he stole more than $317,000 from his West Chicago church was sentenced Monday to six years in prison.

George Valdez pilfered the funds from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, using the money to pay credit card bills, personal expenses and even buy himself $10,000 worth of Chicago Bears and White Sox tickets.

The 58-year-old West Chicago man had faced up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony theft for siphoning off the money between 2006 and 2009 while he served as the church’s business manager.
…

 

[Barbkw]

Banks have available account managers who supervise an account and pay bills.

Home builders who are connected to the bank through business loans and mortgages are often required to use these managed accounts.

 

[Barbkw]

"The 58-year-old West Chicago man had faced up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony theft for siphoning off the money between 2006 and 2009 while he served as the church’s business manager.

The thefts occurred even as the church closed its parochial school because of financial problems, though church officials said when Valdez was charged last year that the thefts didn’t cause the school closing."

The story says the man will only serve 2 1/2 years. How rediculous. $317,000 dollars and he gets 30 months in prison.

 

[Beau_Ouiville]

Well, the judge ordered that the ex-deacon pay back the money. The church had insurance for more than $200,000 so I guess he’ll be paying back the insurer, too, or in lieu of paying the church.

This is why annual outside audits are so important.

 

[Graubo3]

Quote:
Defense attorney Nicholas Kirkeles said Valdez was trying to help his family when he stole the funds.
“He was just trying to do things for his family he just couldn’t afford to do,” Kirkeles said.”

I would like to see $10,000 worth of sporting events too.

Peace, Graubo

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

The story says the man will only serve 2 1/2 years. How rediculous.

First time felony offense - that sounds about right. In Arkansas, a 10 year sentence will get you eligible for parole in 2 1/2 years, so the Illinois sentence is actually harsher as it’s for a 6 year sentence.