Published January 14, 2015
A Florida priest who was charged with embezzling thousands of dollars from his church to fund a lavish lifestyle has been convicted of second-degree grand theft.
Prosecutors accused the Rev. Francis Guinan of stealing $488,000 from St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach to fund trips to the Bahamas and Las Vegas, jewelry and home furniture. A jury found that he stole more than $20,000 but less than $100,000. He had been charged with first-degree grand theft of more than $100,000.
The 66-year-old priest faces up to 15 years in prison. His sentencing is March 25.
A conviction on the more severe charge carried up to 30 years in prison.
Guinan's attorney argued the church allows discretionary spending by priests.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/u-s-priest-found-guilty-of-embezzling-church-money