McAuliffe sentenced to prison for stealing from parish
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A priest has been sentenced to prison for stealing from his church. Video by ktnv.com
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A local priest is facing years behind bars for stealing from the church and using the money to fuel his gambling addiction. Video by ktnv.com
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A once regarded Las Vegas priest has become the face of an unholy crime after admitting to the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Video by ktnv.com
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A Las Vegas catholic priest pleaded guilty Friday to stealing money from the church. Video by ktnv.com
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A local priest will head to prison for stealing from his church. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Monsignor Kevin McAuliffe was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his Summerlin parish.
50-year-old McAuliffe appeared in court on Friday morning before Judge James C. Mahan. His attorney hired an expert to testify that McAuliffe suffered a gambling addiction which led to his actions.
McAuliffe was the pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud after allegedly stealing $650,000. McAuliffe was accused of stealing from the general bank account, collection basket, gift shop and mission fund.
Parishoners defended the preist, despite McAuliffe's admission that he stole the money.
"In the time that he has been there, that man has accomplished more for our parish than I know of any other preist, " said ZoeAnn Murphy, a parishoner of McAuliffe's for more than 14 years.
McAuliffe must turn himself in by noon on April 13th to begin serving his 3-year sentence, although many of his parishoners say they hope the priest appeals the judge's decision.
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