BishopAccountability.org
	I-Team: Diocese CFOTrial Delayed until after Papal Visit MyFox Cleveland April 16, 2008 http://www.myfoxcleveland.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6316214&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 Attorneys for the former Chief Financial Officer of the Cleveland Diocese have asked a federal judge to delay the start of his trial for a unique reason: the Pope's visit to America. Pope Benedict XVI arrived today and was greeted by President Bush. Enroute to the United States, the Pope responded to questions submitted by reporters that he was "deeply ashamed" of the pedophile scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church in America over the last several years. Four-years ago, FOX 8 I-Team Reporter Bill Sheil broke the story about alleged kickbacks inside the Cleveland diocese. Former CFO Joseph Smith now stands accused of converting over $700,000 of diocese money to his own personal use. Smith says he was paid the money off the books and says that such types of payments were common back then. Besides serving in his role as CFO, Smith's defense may seek to show that Smith was paid at least some of the money because he was given increased responsibilities for dealing with the clergy abuse scandal in Cleveland. Jury selection in Smith's trial was to begin next Monday. But today, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aldrich delayed the start of the trial until May 12. In her ruling, Judge Aldrich doesn't mention the Pope's visit. She says that she is making the decision of her own volition and in the best interest of justice.
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