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  Cops: Priest Is Husband & Crook

Associated Press, carried in Philadelphia Daily News [Louisa VA]
January 19, 2007

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/nation/16495525.htm

A retired Roman Catholic priest suspected of living a double life as a family man was in court yesterday, accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from two parishes.

The Rev. Rodney L. Rodis, 50, did not enter a plea.

He was indicted Jan. 8 on a count of embezzlement. He had been pastor at St. Jude, in Mineral, and at Immaculate Conception, in Bumpass, between 1993 and May 2006.

The Diocese of Richmond has said Rodis embezzled more than $600,000 from his two parishes, but a state police investigator said the sum could top $1 million.

Authorities allege that Rodis opened an account in a church's name, deposited donations in the account and then diverted them for personal use.

Court records show that bank records seized from Rodis' home include a receipt for a service for wiring money to the Philippines, Rodis' home country.

The priest also is suspected of having a wife and children in violation of church rules because he and a woman are listed as husband and wife on a deed of trust for a mortgage.

He has said he is not married, but neighbors say he referred to her as his wife.

 
 

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