WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – 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.
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