Omaha priest admits embezzling from parish

HIS THEFT HURTS OTHER GOOD PRIESTS’ GOOD NAME. IT HURTS THE  CHURCH ALSO. STEALING FROM CHURCH IS LIKE STEALING FROM GOD, PER CHRISTIAN BELIEF. THAT MEANS HE ISN’T AFRAID OF HIS GOD, OR GOING TO HELL.

MAYBE, HE DOESN’T BELIEVE IN GOD OR IN LIVING A RIGHTEOUS LIFE.

A PRIEST SHOULD KNOW BETTER. THERE ARE SOME BAD PRIESTS AMONG THE GOOD PRIESTS. THESE BAD PRIESTS ARE FAKES!.

THEY JUST PREACH WHAT THEY THEMSELVES DON’T BELIEVE OR FOLLOW. (NGAR PYOR TALO LOK, NGAR LOK TALO, MA LOK NET). THEY DON’T FOLLOW BUDDHA’S MONKS’ RULES.

HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN NOT THROWING AWAY YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. THESE BAD PRIESTS ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO SPEND IT FOR YOU.

THE PRIEST BELOW STOLE $ 83,000.00 – QUITE A LOT OF MONEY. WHAT A SHAME!

Omaha priest admits embezzling from parish

http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/article_072202c5-8662-5d5b-9bde-4cd543d51334.html

OMAHA — An Omaha priest admitted in court Wednesday that he stole more than $83,000 from one of his Roman Catholic parishes.

The Rev. Rodney Adams, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft by deception.

District Judge Russell Bowie released Adams so he could begin a treatment program. Adams had said he was being treated for a mental illness but did not elaborate.

Adams’ lawyer, James Schaefer, said the felony carries a potential sentence of one to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

But, Schaefer said, the judge might also hand out probation and an order of restitution.

There was sentencing deal between prosecutors and Adams for his guilty plea, his lawyer said. Sentencing was set for Sept. 10.

Schaefer said Adams had expressed his remorse and wanted to make restitution.

What Adams spent the money on was not publicly disclosed, and Schaefer would say only that as near as he knew, it wasn’t spent on anything immoral or illegal.

Adams had been pastor at St. Bridget Parish since 2003 as well as pastor at St. Rose.

Schaefer said Adams managed to collect his full salary of $1,375 a month from St. Bridget and another half from St. Rose, instead of getting only half from each parish.

That overage added up to a little more than $51,000. He also admitted writing checks from a St. Bridget account for his own use, totaling nearly $32,000.

Adams came forward after a financial review uncovered the theft as St. Bridget was being converted to a computerized accounting system, Schaefer said.

The chancellor of the Omaha Archdiocese, the Rev. Joseph Taphorn, said there were no indications that any other people were involved.

Adams has cooperated with the investigation, Taphorn said, and has left his duties as a parish pastor. Future church assignments will depend on Adams’ sentence and any treatment and recovery, Taphorn said

A message left by The Associated Press with Taphorn for Adams was not immediately returned. Taphorn said Adams has said he wouldn’t be speaking to reporters.

Adams surrendered to police on Wednesday morning.

Catholic missing money index: St Bridget parish, Omaha, Nebraska

http://rcmmindex.blogspot.com/2009/01/st-bridget-parish-omaha-nebraska.html