(Image Source: Facebook / Daily Mail)
BY JJ BAILEY
ANCHOR JIM FLINK
A theft in Las Vegas has everyone stirred up, and it’s not just the amount stolen, it’s the thief. Here’s KVVU.
“At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, it's like any other day, except for the heavy cloud surrounding Monsignor Kevin McAuliffe's departure. Friday, McAuliffe pleaded guilty to stealing $650,000 from the church between 2002 and 2010.”
Monsignor is the second most senior churchman in the area -- in the Las Vegas diocese, he’s second only to the bishop. So what does a priest do with all that money? Well, it’s Vegas, so you can probably guess. Here’s Daily Mail.
“Monsignor Kevin McAuliffe faces up to 60 years in jail after confessing to raiding church funds to feed his addiction to video poker. The 58-year-old...kept his gambling secret from church leaders and his parishioners.”
Following a four month investigation, McAuliffe has pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud. WPVI reports the money that went into gambling was being missed in some pretty important places.
“That money was supposed to be used to pay for church expenses and support its parochial school.”
So how did he hide that much dough? Conveniently, McAuliffe was in charge of reporting church expenses and income to the archdiocese in San Francisco, so he simply under reported. With that cover, KLAS says McAuliffe didn’t leave much untouched.
“McAuliffe admitted he stole money from the church’s gift shop, votive candle collection, the missions and novenas fund, along with the general bank account.”
McAuliffe faces 20 years per count, which could total 60 years in prison and a $750,000 fine. His sentencing is set for January 6.
