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  Bond Revoked for Catholic Priest
Rodney Lee Rodis Is Accused of Embezzling Money from Two Rural Churches

Free Lance-Star [Louisa VA]
May 21, 2007

http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/Web/2007/052007/0522rodis

Bond was revoked this morning for the Catholic priest in Louisa County accused of embezzling money from two rural churches.

Rodney Lee Rodis, 51, had been free on a $25,000 bond. He wasn't allowed to leave Virginia, but prosecutors believe he flew to New Mexico last month.

Rodis faces an October trial on charges that he embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from St. Jude and Immaculate Conception Catholic churches.

Louisa Commonwealth's Attorney Don Short said he subpoenaed Northwest Airlines records showing Rodis flew to Detroit on April 11. Short said he believes Rodis went from Detroit to New Mexico.

A woman and three children whom Rodis had been living with in Spotsylvania County recently moved to New Mexico. Defense attorney Jack Maus has referred to the woman, 44-year-old Joyce Sillador, and the children as Rodis' family but has said Rodis isn't married.

Short said Rodis returned to Virginia on April 24. Maus said Rodis met with his probation officer April 25.

Rodis has pleaded not guilty to 13 felony embezzlement charges. He was pastor at St. Jude and Immaculate Conception for 13 years. State police have said Rodis may have stolen as much as $1 million between 1995 and 2006.

Rodis is a citizen of the Philippines. He has turned in his passport to authorities.

 
 

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